Experts outline pros and cons of functional MR and PET in clinical arena

March 8, 2008 Experts outline pros and cons of functional MR and PET in clinical arena Philip Ward -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some tantalizing glimpses into future clinical applications of functional MR and PET imaging were provided at Friday's New Horizons session. Using innovative sequence design and modern contrast media, most functional methods such as perfusion and diffusion can now be easily integrated into standard MRI protocols. This facilitates a combined assessment in a single exam, said moderator Dr. Marco Essig of the department of radiology at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. Although MR is still less sensitive than PET, fMRI tools are often used as a comparator for some assessments. "The problem with MRI is that conventional imaging is not able to fulfill all the requirements," he said. "Functional MRI combines morphology and physiology/pathophysiology and is a possible solution" Essig listed the indications for perfusion as stroke, oncology (whole body), diseases such as rheumatism, and neurodegenerative diseases. Among the indications for diffusion MRI are neuroimaging research, neurosurgical planning, neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, and stroke.

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