My PET/MRI experience

My PET/MRI Experience

I just thought I would share my experience with this newest scanning procedure.  A PET/MRI.   I had this procedure done on Wednesday, September 3, 2014.    I was told that there are only 9 other machines in the US at the moment.

I was originally to get this done in February, but at the time the study was over and my insurance wouldn’t pay for it.   Then we I needed another PET scan in July, I had to get the same one that I did in February for a comparison.   Due to increase in my soft tissue mass and anvery slight increase in the SUV readings at both of the prior PET scans and a negative biopsy, I was ordered to get this new PET/MRI scan to see what is going on with that soft tissue mass.

This scan only uses the isotope for the PET portion of the scan.  There is no other radiation exposure (like you get with a CT).   The only bad thing is that the scanning process takes longer.  It took approximately 55 minutes to do a complete scan (Head to top of thighs).

What it is: As its name suggests, the PET/MRI scanner allows two different modalities to be performed on one machine simultaneously. This means that it combines the soft tissue contrast of the magnetic resonance imaging with the molecular information provided by positron emission tomography. However, performing the tests simultaneously – capturing metabolic activity and anatomy together – offers doctors a more precise and accurate assessment of disease, as well as an improved understanding of the physiologic process. The precision it offers cannot be emphasized enough. Because body parts are continually in motion, a separate PET and MRI scan of the same spot may produce slightly different images. When done simultaneously, the images are completely aligned, giving exceptional precision and image quality.

The Test:

After driving almost 3 hours to get there, we did get in a little early and was happy that they took me in within minutes of my arrival.   I was taken back to the room where they keep the isotopes.   The technician took my blood glucose (it was 80).    (***The PET scan may not a good test if  you are a diabetic due to false readings, etc.  There are special instructions, however, if you are diabetic.   One is that they would like your glucose levels to be below 180)    Then the tech put a pic line in he said in case they needed to access my veins in the second part of the test.    I was then given the isotope and he flushed the line and I was then sent to a room where I would lie down and watch TV for almost an hour.

A nurse came in and I was told to undress and get into a gown.  (you can keep your underwear on)    Anything metal has to come off.   I was then taken by a wheel chair – first to use the restroom and then to the scanning room.

The Scan:

Now I have had many many scans done from CT, PET, PET/CTl, MRIs, and others.   On this one, I layed down on the movable slat.  They put a pillow under my knees.   (so far, just like before).   Then they layed two panels over my body.  One at my chest area and the other abdomen and thigh area.   They snapped in place.  My arms were placed at my sides and also strapped in.  YIKES.  Wasn’t expecting that.   Then the tech put ear plugs in and cushion around my head.   Lastly, he put a mask over my face and snapped it in (sort of like a catcher’s mask).   I could feel myself starting to panic a little.   Then he gave me a little ball with a cord on it in case I needed him all I needed to do was squeeze it. 

Then the tech started the scan.  I went in head first – this is where I closed my eyes.   The tech asked me if my arms were ok because they were close to the sides of the scanner.   I did open my eyes to peek and the scanning wall was right in front of my face mask – closed my eyes immediately.    Once the scanning began, it was like the others.  Very loud noises and thumping.  With the table moving at various points.    Then the tech started with the breathing where you would take a deep breath, release your breath, then hold it.    This was a little harder to do than taking a breath and hold it.   But I got on after a few.    I would basically count to about 11 or 12 when the tech said you could take a breath.   Actually, this kept me calm and took my mind off the whole scanning process.   Next thing I knew it was over (55 minutes later).

I haven’t heard anything on my results yet.  The tech said maybe Friday.  He said the scanner took at least 5000 images.

In one way, I was glad to find out that they actually took images of my brain since I have been having problems with these headaches.  The tech indicated that it would show any types of tumors, etc. in the brain. So hopefully, I won’t have to get another scan of my brain.

Benefits of this scan

Why it is used: For patients with cancer, the PET/MRI can be used for diagnostics and staging. And because it can more accurately localize the tumor, it is ideal for surgical planning. It can also be used for cardiac imaging, neurodegenerative disease and psychological disorders. In addition, with the PET/MRI, patients are exposed to much lower levels of radiation than with the PET/CT. This not only benefits patients who have to undergo multiple scans, but also sensitive populations such as children.

The new scanner also helps improve the overall patient experience, requiring just one appointment for two modalities. During the testing itself, patients need minimal changes in positions between tests, which in turn, allows physicians to compare tests more easily and get information as accurately and quickly as possible. 

(excerpts from http://stonybrookmedicine.edu/imaging/pet-mri)