MR-PET opens new horizons in neuroimaging

At present, a new hybrid imaging technology combining PET and MRI is emerging. The construction of hybrid scanners that allow simultaneous MRI and PET required the development of a new type of MR-compatible PET detector, which was first realized for studying small animals. The first industrial prototypes of such integrated MR-PET scanners for human brain studies have been installed recently. In this article, the feasibility of this new approach is demonstrated by first studies in brain tumor patients. Beyond time saving in patient management and optimal spatial overlay of anatomic and functional information, this technique offers new perspectives with regard to the simultaneous observation of physiological and biochemical processes. Functional brain activation and interaction of receptor ligands during special activation tasks or pharmacological intervention may be explored in humans. Thus, MR-PET opens new horizons in multiparametric neuroimaging.