PET-MRI

Positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) is a hybrid imaging technology that incorporates magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) soft tissue morphological imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) functional imaging.

Presently, the main clinical fields of PET-MRI are oncology,cardiology and neurology. Research studies are actively conducted at the moment to understand benefits of the new PET-MRI diagnostic method. The technology combines the exquisite structural and functional characterization of tissue provided by MRI with the extreme sensitivity of PET imaging of metabolism and tracking of uniquely labeled cell types or cell receptors. There is discussion and investigation into utilizing PET-MR with Ion Therapy for the purpose of cancer treatment. with MRI's ability to accurately depict the proton density of tissue is a good match for the benefits and technical challenges of treatment planning utilizing Ion Therapy systems.

Currently four companies offer combined PET-MR systems: Philips, Siemens, GE and MR Solutions. The first two clinical whole body PET-MRI systems were installed by Philips at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in the United States and at Geneva University Hospital in Europe in 2010. One company, Cubresa, offers an MR-compatible preclinical PET scanner called NuPET™ for use in the bore of an existing MRI, enabling simultaneous PET/MR image acquisition. The first instrument was installed at the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre in Halifax, Canada in 2016, and more systems have since been installed.

Currently Siemens and GE are the only companies to offer a fully integrated whole body and simultaneous acquisition PET-MRI system. The Siemens system (Biograph mMR) received a CE mark and FDA approval for customer purchase in 2011.

The GE system (SIGNA PET/MR) received its 510K & CE mark in 2014.

The first fully RoHS compliant system was delivered in 2014. Over sixty facilities have since installed this technology.

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Wikipedia