Clinical impact of hemodynamic parameter measurement for cerebrovascular disease using positron emission tomography and (15)O-labeled tracers

Ann Nucl Med. 2009 May;23(3):217-27. doi: 10.1007/s12149-009-0235-7. Epub 2009 Apr 8.

Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) measurement of cerebral blood flow and metabolism has been a basic and standard method for evaluation of hemodynamics in patients with cerebral vascular disease (CVD). Despite the recent rapid spread of PET and PET/CT facilities, the number of patient examinations with (15)O-gas PET scans is declining because most facilities are used for cancer studies. They avoid (15)O-gas PET study because it is time consuming and the technique and calculation methods appear to be complicated. However, reconsidering the benefits and usefulness of conventional (15)O-gas PET study is a good opportunity to understand its potential possibility. Physiological evaluation of cerebral perfusion and metabolism provided the basic concept of hemodynamics in impaired circulation and the development of evidence-based medicine in neurosurgical treatment for CVD. This method can be used for two major objectives, clinical examination with a less-invasive simplified method, and quantitative precise measurements with model analysis for research purposes. Both are important for developing further practical and investigational approaches using (15)O-gas PET.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Hemodynamics*
  • Humans
  • Oxygen Radioisotopes / chemistry
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radioactive Tracers
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Oxygen Radioisotopes
  • Radioactive Tracers