Raj Mohan Paspulati MD, Presenter: Research grant from Philips Healthcare

1) To understand the PET-MR technology and challenges. 2) To understand clinical application of PET-MR and comparison with PET-CT. 3) To understand the pitfalls, artifacts and future of PET-MR.  

Introduction of PET-CT had substantial influence on cancer staging and has become a standard practice of care in certain types of cancer staging, restaging and document tumor response to treatment. The low soft tissue contrast of the CT, especially the low dose non contrast CT is the main limitation of hybrid PET-CT imaging. MR imaging proved to be superior to even contrast enhanced CT in certain anatomical regions such as pelvis, head and neck due to its excellent soft tissue contrast resolution. There has been a quest for combined PET-MRI system to provide anatomical, physiological and molecular information with single integrated imaging. The main hurdle has been the sensitivity of PET photomultiplier tubes to magnetic field. This is overcome and integrated PET-MR systems are now available for clinical practice. There are currently two types of integrated PET-MR systems available from two different vendors. In the sequential type the photomultiplier tubes of PET are shielded from magnetic field by separating the PET and MR gantries. In the simultaneous type Photomultiplier tubes and MR coils are integrated in one system by using magnetically insensitive avalanche photo diodes. Both these systems have some advantages and disadvantages, but have common challenges. MR attenuation correction is the major challenge faced by both type of systems. World wide, there is limited literature available on the utility and clinical application of the PET-MR system. There has been lot of enthusiasm as well as anxiety in incorporating this integrated system into clinical practice by radiologists as well as physicians involved in managing cancer patients. This refresher course addresses these issues of clinical PET-MR system, key areas where they have impact on patient care and management.At the end of the course the attendees of the course will be familiar with PET-MR system , clinical applications in oncology, advantages, limitations, pit falls and challenges.

Paspulati, R, PET-MR—What Do We Know in 2014.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/13010454.html