Recognizing PET emergent findings among various radiotracers

In this exhibit, Mayo Clinic researchers in Rochester have prepared a presentation on methods to detect the most common emergent diagnostic challenges radiologists will face on PET, with a focus on newer radiotracers.

Although the appearance of emergent findings on FDG-PET has been well-documented, reports on these findings as seen with newer PET radiotracers such as those used in prostate cancer imaging are scarce, according to presenter Dr. Hiroaki Takahashi, PhD. Takahashi will provide an overview of emergent findings on PET, including recently added COVID-19 cases.

In addition, his presentation will cover findings of the emergent abdomen, including diverticulitis, cholecystitis/cholangitis, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, pyelonephritis, and pancreatitis. Also included are findings of the emergent chest, including pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and infection.

"Since PET scans routinely cover almost the entire body, there is a higher probability of incidental emergent findings than focused imaging," Takahashi noted.