Variations in PET/MRI operations: Results from an international survey among 39 active sites

Abstract

Information has been collected from PET/MRI operational sites to identify its present and future applications. This may help to focus discussions on common interests of the PET/MRI community. Methods: A web-based survey of PET/MRI users was conducted from June to October 2015. The survey was composed of 26 questions related to the PET/MRI center, present use and imaging protocols, and perspectives on key applications. Results: Responses were collected from 39 international sites that operated PET/MRI for a median of 30 mo (range, 2-62 mo). Most installations were located in public institutions with an academic focus (n = 26, 67%). Systems were primarily operated by nuclear medicine departments (n = 13, 33%), jointly by nuclear medicine and radiology (n = 11, 28%), and radiology only (n = 10, 26%). PET/MRI operation was equally focused on clinic routine and research (47% vs. 45% of sites, respectively). Sites reported a strong focus on oncology (76% of research and 88% of clinical applications). Other applications included neurology (9% clinical, 12% research) and cardiology (3% clinical, 6% research). Perceived superiority over PET/CT was identified as the strongest driver for clinical adoption. Over half the operators expect PET/MRI to excel in clinical routine within 3-5 y. Emerging key applications for future PET/MRI use were cardiovascular disease and imaging of inflammation. Conclusion: An international survey of early PET/MR adopters reveals a mixed use of this combined imaging modality, with a focus on oncology. The future of PET/MRI is seen in expanded application for oncology and neurology, but also cardiovascular disease and inflammation.