Whole-body FDG PET-MR oncologic imaging: pitfalls in clinical interpretation related to inaccurate MR-based attenuation correction

Abdom Imaging. 2015 Aug;40(6):1374-86. doi: 10.1007/s00261-015-0455-3.

Abstract

Simultaneous data collection for positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) is now a reality. While the full benefits of concurrently acquiring PET and MR data and the potential added clinical value are still being evaluated, initial studies have identified several important potential pitfalls in the interpretation of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/MRI in oncologic whole-body imaging, the majority of which being related to the errors in the attenuation maps created from the MR data. The purpose of this article was to present such pitfalls and artifacts using case examples, describe their etiology, and discuss strategies to overcome them. Using a case-based approach, we will illustrate artifacts related to (1) Inaccurate bone tissue segmentation; (2) Inaccurate air cavities segmentation; (3) Motion-induced misregistration; (4) RF coils in the PET field of view; (5) B0 field inhomogeneity; (6) B1 field inhomogeneity; (7) Metallic implants; (8) MR contrast agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Whole Body Imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18