Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans are imaging techniques that utilize radiotracers to detect metabolic activity within the body. Certain infections can induce heightened metabolic activity at the site of infection, leading to increased uptake of the radiotracer. This localized increase in tracer concentration can then be visualized on the PET scan as an area of increased signal intensity.
The ability to visualize areas of inflammation and infection offers a significant diagnostic advantage. It assists in identifying the location and extent of infectious processes, which is particularly valuable when standard imaging modalities are inconclusive. Furthermore, it allows for monitoring the response to treatment and distinguishing between active infection and sterile inflammation. While not solely employed for infection diagnosis, it provides critical information alongside other clinical and laboratory findings. Historically, its use in infectious disease was limited, but advancements in radiotracer development and imaging technology have broadened its applications.
