FDG-PET Scan
What is an FDG-PET scan?
An FDG-PET scan is an advanced medical imaging technique that uses a radiopharmaceutical called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to assess metabolic activity in body tissues. FDG is a glucose-like molecule that accumulates in areas with high metabolic activity. This study makes it possible to detect functional abnormalities before they are visible in other imaging tests.
What is this procedure for?
FDG-PET is primarily used in:
- Inflammation and infections: to detect active inflammatory or infectious processes in the body.
- Oncology: diagnosis, staging and monitoring of various types of cancer, such as lymphomas, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, among others.
- Neurology: evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other forms of parkinsonism, epilepsy, and brain disorders.
- Cardiology: to identify areas of ischemia or cardiac damage in patients with coronary artery disease.
Benefits of advanced technology in FDG-PET
FDG-PET uses a radiopharmaceutical (FDG) that is administered intravenously. FDG is distributed throughout the body and accumulates in areas with high metabolic activity. The PET scanner detects the radiation emitted by FDG and generates three-dimensional images that show the areas of greatest metabolic uptake.
What does the procedure involve?
The FDG-PET scan procedure involves:
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Preparation:
You will generally need to fast for 4 to 6 hours before the scan, but check with your doctor to confirm. It is recommended to drink water before the procedure. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medication, if you are pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Also, wear comfortable clothing that does not contain metal components.
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During the procedure:
During the procedure, you will be given FDG intravenously. After the injection, you will need to remain at rest for approximately 30 to 60 minutes to allow the radiopharmaceutical to distribute throughout the body. Once this time has elapsed, you will be asked to lie down on the PET scanner table while the images are taken. It is essential that you remain still during the study to ensure the quality of the images. The total duration of the procedure, including preparation and imaging, is approximately 2 hours.
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After the procedure:
After the procedure, you will be able to resume your normal activities, unless your doctor advises otherwise. It is advisable to drink plenty of water to help eliminate the radiopharmaceutical from your body. The results of the FDG-PET will be analyzed by a specialist radiologist and sent to your doctor, who will explain the findings and recommend the appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Recommendations for the procedure
If you have diabetes, it is important that you inform your doctor so they can adjust the specific recommendations related to glucose control before the procedure. During the procedure, you must remain as still as possible to ensure that the images are accurate. In addition, you must follow your doctor’s instructions before, during, and after the procedure.
Are there any risks?
FDG-PET is a safe procedure, but there are some minor risks:
- Exposure to radiation: FDG emits a small amount of radiation, but the dose is low and is considered safe.
- Allergic reactions (rare): in exceptional cases, allergic reactions to the radiopharmaceutical may occur.
- Mild discomfort: you may experience discomfort at the injection site.
To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps.
These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is still the unlikely possibility of an incident.
Do you need to undergo this procedure?
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