The Key Features of a PET-CT Viewer

Last Updated on Thursday, 2 December 2010 01:58 Written by admin Thursday, 7 January 2010 05:01

As you may be aware, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) combines both of these imaging modalities into one system, allowing the images from each to be taken sequentially.

Although PET-CT imaging has revolutionized diagnostic medicine, cost and logistics have proven to be problematic; not only is the combined system quite expensive, the radioactive drugs required for this type of imaging are also costly and have a short shelf-life. The DICOM format and teleradiology has mitigated these issues somewhat, making it possible to disseminate such images over an intranet as well as the World Wide Web.

Basic Features

Ideally, a PET-CT viewer allows for display of the fused image while allowing the user to control blending and create a three-dimensional reconstruction of the subject. Flexibility is also important. In addition to a full set of image editing and manipulation software tools and and various import/export options, the viewer should be compatible with legacy systems, including non-DICOM protocols and file formats. Some of the tools to look for include: