Is imaging the extremities with PEM feasible? A novel application for a high-resolution positron emission scanner.

Introduction: Positron emission mammography (PEM) has better spatial resolution than positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), or PET/CT. We evaluated the feasibility of extremity imaging with PEM using PET as a standard.

Methods/materials: Fourteen patients underwent sequential PET/CT and PEM.

Correlation of PUV and SUV in the extremities while using PEM as a high-resolution positron emission scanner.

Objective: Owing to its unique configuration of two adjustable plate detectors positron emission mammography, or PEM, could theoretically also function as a high-resolution positron emission scanner for the extremities or neck. PEM quantitates its activity via a "PEM uptake value," or PUV, and although its relationship to the standardized uptake value, or SUV, has been demonstrated in the breasts, to our knowledge there are no studies validating PUV in other sites such as the extremities.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of two separate protocols of a total of 15 patients.