Imaging of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Whole-Body Simultaneous PET and MRI
Researchers have a new weapon in their arsenal to diagnose and treat traumatic brain injury (TBI). The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center began imaging patients last week on a first-of-its-kind, whole-body simultaneous positron emission topography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The Biograph mMR offers a more complete picture of abnormal metabolic activity in a shorter time frame than separate MRI and PET scans, two tests many patients undergo.
“This scanner combines the two most powerful imaging tools,” said David Bluemke, M.D., Ph.D., director of NIH Clinical Center Radiology and Imaging Sciences. “The MRI points us to abnormalities in the body, and the PET tells us the metabolic activity of that abnormality, be it a damaged part of the brain or a tumor. This will be a major change for many patients.”
The new device makes patient care swifter and safer. The faster turnaround time and more comprehensive results will help diagnose patients at an earlier stage of disease, leading to better outcomes, Bluemke said. Additionally, traditional PET scanners combine computed tomography imaging, which uses radiation, while the MRI and PET technology of the new Biograph mMR does not. The risk of exposure to low doses of medical radiation from diagnostic medical-imaging tests is not known, but very high radiation doses have the potential to cause cancer.
We are optimistic that this new technology will become readily available for TBI victims. PritzkerOlsen law firm has won millions for TBI victims, including a recent settlement for $2,750,000. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
