Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Assessment of Renal Perfusion

SummaryPositron emission tomography (PET) is a radionuclide imaging technique that allows noninvasive mapping of radiopharmaceutical concentrations in three-dimensional space. PET methods have been described for imaging and quantification of renal perfusion using cyclotron-produced 15O-water and 13N-ammonia, as well as using generator-produced 82RbCl and 62Cu-ETS. Although the majority of clinical PET facilities will lack the in-house biomedical cyclotron needed for 15O and 13N production, the generator-produced tracers are available to virtually any clinical site with a PET camera. Studies with these radiopharmaceuticals have largely focused on methodologic issues, and agent validation for renal blood flow measurements. However, the resulting PET methods for quantification of renal perfusion do appear suitable for application to both research and clinical problems in renal pathophysiology.