PET applications span which clinical domains?

• A. Ophthalmology
• B. Endocrinology
• C. Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology
• D. Dermatology

Answer: (C)

PET imaging hinges on capturing tissue metabolism to reveal disease activity, so it’s particularly powerful across three major clinical areas. In oncology, many cancers show heightened glucose uptake, making FDG-PET valuable for detecting tumors, staging, identifying metastases, and monitoring response to treatment. In cardiology, PET assesses myocardial perfusion and viability, helping distinguish viable but endangered tissue from scar and guiding decisions about revascularization. In neurology, PET maps brain metabolism to aid in epilepsy evaluation, differentiate types of dementia, and assist in planning tumor treatment or assessing treatment effects. Ophthalmology and dermatology aren’t primary domains for routine PET use because the eye and skin present challenges for metabolic imaging and the clinical benefits are less established there.