Background: The introduction of the new simultaneous PET/MRI scanner opens new opportunities in functional imaging.
Sources of data: This article is based on the literature review and our personal experience of the first simultaneous PET/MRI scanner in the UK.
Areas of agreement: PET/CT is well established and a key component of management guidance in a range of diseases. MRI has superior soft tissue resolution, which is useful in the evaluation of many diseases.
Areas of controversy: There are currently no guidelines regarding clinical use of PET/MRI, and those centres with a PET/MRI facility are undertaking research to look for a 'key application'.
Growing points and areas timely for developing research: This review briefly describes some of the technical advances, present comparisons with the diagnostic performance of current imaging modalities (PET/CT and MRI) and identifies potential indications and research directions.
Keywords: 18F-FDG; PET/MRI; multimodality imaging; neurology; oncology.