positron emission tomography

noun

1. the process of producing a PET scan.

positron emission tomography

noun

1. a technique for assessing brain activity and function by recording the emission of positrons from radioactively labelled substances, such as glucose or dopamine

positron emission tomography

1. Tomography in which a computer-generated image of metabolic or physiologic activity within the body is produced through the detection of gamma rays that are emitted when introduced radionuclides decay and release positrons. The images are used in the evaluation of coronary artery disease, epilepsy, and other medical disorders.

Word History and Origins

Origin of positron emission tomography¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography can reveal FTD-indicating signs of damage or functional abnormalities in the brain.

From Scientific American

The cancer vanished in every single patient, undetectable by physical exam; endoscopy; positron emission tomography, or PET scans; or MRI scans.

From Seattle Times

The positron emission tomography technology that was used in the new study was designed to identify the sites of coronavirus infection in a living animal.

From New York Times

The team first identified 55 people from that group who showed signs of consciousness according to standard tests, including positron emission tomography scans, which measure brain metabolism, and MRI.

From Science Magazine

Two very small studies have documented brain inflammation in ME/CFS, one using positron emission tomography and another employing a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

From New York Times