Workflow and scan protocol considerations for integrated whole-body PET/MRI in oncology

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Abstract

Integrated PET/MRI systems open exciting possibilities for clinical and research applications. However, compared with PET/CT, PET/MRI is a complex technique resulting in new problems and challenges, especially regarding workflow, scan protocols, and data analysis. This complexity applies in particular to examinations in oncology with partial- or whole-body coverage extending over several bed positions. Unlike diagnostic PET/CT, for which the clinical CT protocols can largely be copied from stand-alone CT, the design of a diagnostic MRI protocol for partial- or whole-body coverage is more complex and has to be adapted to the special requirements of PET/MRI to be both time-efficient and comprehensive. Here, we describe basic considerations concerning workflow, imaging protocols, and image analysis for whole-body PET/MRI in oncology, based on our experience with the first integrated PET/MRI scanner. The aim is to fully and optimally make use of the combined PET/MRI measurements in oncology, including identifying and reducing image artifacts as well as optimizing workflow beyond the mere fusion of 2 image datasets. COPYRIGHT © 2012 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

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Martinez-Möller, A., Eiber, M., Nekolla, S. G., Souvatzoglou, M., Drzezga, A., Ziegler, S., … Beer, A. J. (2012, September 1). Workflow and scan protocol considerations for integrated whole-body PET/MRI in oncology. Journal of Nuclear Medicine. https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.112.109348

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