CT Scan vs PET Scan

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CT scan (computer tomography) and PET scan (positron emission tomography) are different but related imaging techniques. A PET scan uses nuclear medicine imaging to produce a three-dimensional picture of functional processes in the body. PET scans provide metabolic information and are increasingly read alongside CT or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, which provide anatomic information.

Comparison chart

CT Scan versus PET Scan comparison chart
	CT Scan	PET Scan
Cost	CT Scan costs range from $1,200 to $3,200; they usually cost less than MRIs (about half the price of MRI).	PET scans cost $3,000 to $6,000; much higher than regular CT scans.
Time taken for complete scan	Usually completed within 5 minutes. Actual scan time usually less than 30 seconds. Therefore, CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.	Usually takes 2 to 4 hours
Radiation exposure	The effective radiation dose from CT ranges from 2 to 10 mSv, which is about the same as the average person receives from background radiation in 3 to 5 years. Usually, CT is not recommended for pregnant women or children unless absolutely necessary.	Moderate to high radiation
Principle used for imaging	Uses X-rays for imaging	Radioactive tracers that emit positrons are used. The positrons are tracked by the system to generate a 3D image over time.
Effects on the body	Despite being small, CT can pose the risk of irradiation. Painless, noninvasive.	Radiation risk from the injection of a radioactive tracer is about the same as an X-ray
Acronym for	Computed (Axial) Tomography	Positron emission tomography
Scope of application	CT can outline bone inside the body very accurately.	PET scans can image biological processes within the body.
History	The first commercially viable CT scanner was invented by Sir Godfrey Hounsfield in Hayes, United Kingdom. First patient's brain-scan was done on 1 October 1971.	The compound was first administered to two normal human volunteers by Abass Alavi in August 1976 at the University of Pennsylvania.

Applications

PET Scan brain image of a patient with Alzheimer's disease (L).

A CT scan provides good detail about bony structures and some detail of soft tissues. It answers the question ‘What does it look like?’. For example, an abnormal growth like a tumor can be easily detected using a CT scan. A PET scan on the other hand is more useful in providing a good detail of functioning of body parts. It answers the question ‘How is it working?’. For example, staging and monitoring treatment of cancers.

CT Scanning is useful for screening diseases such as colon cancer, detecting injuries and abnormalities in the head, chest, heart, abdomen and extremities. This technique is often combined with other techniques such as MRI, and ultrasonography.

PET scanning is used effectively in oncology (study and treatment of cancer), neurology, cardiology, Cognitive neuroscience, Psychiatry, Pharmacology and Muscular-Skeletal Imaging.

Principle and Procedure

A CT scan relies on a series of X-rays and is usually completed within 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, a PET scan takes anywhere between 2 to 4 hours.

The basic principle behind a CT scan relies on the reconstruction of a three dimensional image of an organ, by a computer. During a CT scan, the patient is moved along the scanning system, during which multiple X-ray images of the organ being examined are acquired from different angles. These images are obtained by passing multiple beams of X-rays through the region of interest. Sophisticated computer algorithms combine all these images to create a view of the organ, which is available soon after the scan is complete.

Cost Comparison

CT Scan costs range from $1,200 to $3,200 and the cost of PET scan depends on the area examined and usually ranges form $3,000 to $6,000. The cost might vary in different countries.

Advantages of PET vs. CT scan

CT scans have advantages in viewing anatomical structures. Due to the high contrast resolution of CT scanning, differences between the tissues are more apparent compared to other techniques. Further, imaging in CT scan removes the superimposition of structures other than the area of interest. The data from a single procedure can be viewed in different planes and thus increases diagnostic ability. This technique is also popular because it can be used to diagnose a number of conditions. This might eliminate the need for other diagnostic techniques such as colonoscopy.

Moreover, a U.S. government-financed study showed that annual CT scans of heavy smokers reduce the risk that they will die from lung cancer by 20 percent.^[1]

PET scans have an advantage over regular CT scans in determining the functioning of biological processes. In a PET scan the imaging technique gets down to the cellular level of the body, hence it can detect the early onset of disease like cancer, before they start showing up in CT scan. It is also very useful in finding out how effective the treatment is.

Risks

CT scans are associated with the risk of causing cancers, such as lung cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. This is mainly due to the use of X-rays. There are other safety concerns associated with the use of contrast agents which are administered intravenously. However, these disadvantages can be reduced with the use of lower doses.

There is exposure to ionization radiation in a PET scan. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not get this scan done. Some mild allergic reaction may occur in some people because of the radioactive substance used. Sometimes abnormal blood sugar and insulin levels may result in an erroneous PET report.