PET Neuroimaging of Neurologic Disease: Methods, Clinical and Research Applications

Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional imaging technique that can be used to visualize physiological activity or molecular processes in the whole body or specific organs. For several decades, PET imaging has been used to expand our understanding of neurobiology and neurologic disease. In addition to playing an increasing role in neuroscience research, PET imaging has become ubiquitous in the clinical setting. For example, PET neuroimaging is currently used to aid in differential diagnosis, monitor treatment effectiveness, and assist with surgical planning. While perhaps most well-known for its role in neurodegenerative disease, PET neuroimaging has also been used to care for and study patients with epilepsy, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, schizophrenia, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. PET neuroimaging is currently undergoing a period of rapid development, particularly as it pertains to the visualization and quantification of neurodegenerative processes and neurotransmitter systems. Given that neuropsychologists are positioned to integrate neuroimaging findings with information derived from a clinical interview and cognitive testing, a fundamental understanding of PET neuroimaging applications and methods will likely prove useful.