PET/CT in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Methodological Aspects

PET/CT methodology is intrinsically divided into PET and CT data acquisition, whereas CT data are used for attenuation correction of PET images. Because CT data are also used for lesion localization, attention has been turned on the optimization of CT protocols using oral and intravenous contrast agents. Using oral as well as intravenous contrast media, no significant qualitative as well as quantitative differences were found in corresponding PET data. Further, use of intravenous contrast enhances the diagnostic performance of integrated PET/CT especially for recurrent colorectal cancer, one of the major indications of PET/CT in gastrointestinal cancer.