PET

In brief: PET can assess cerebral blood flow and, with specialized tracers, oxygen extraction and metabolism.

Oxygen-15 PET is a detailed research and clinical reference method for evaluating hemodynamic compromise, including increased oxygen extraction when tissue compensates for low flow. Availability is limited because it requires specialized equipment and short-lived tracers.

Use in moyamoya disease

In moyamoya disease, PET findings are interpreted with vascular anatomy and clinical history. Other modalities may be more practical for routine follow-up. [1]

Clinical detail

Different PET tracers answer different questions. The term “PET perfusion” should not be assumed to mean a uniform acquisition or physiologic measurement.

Interpretation therefore requires the tracer name, protocol, and measured variable.