Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT or PET) has an established role in clinical practice, particularly for oncology. Interpretation of results typically involves a composite approach of qualitative evaluation by the reporting specialist as well as support from semi-quantitative measurements, commonly the maximum standardised uptake value (SUVMax). Acquisition protocols reflect this approach and are commonly based on static imaging at a pre-established time point following injection.
Dynamic PET, on the other hand, involves the continuous imaging over a pre-defined period immediately after injection, acquiring kinetic information. Tracer kinetic modelling based on several different models or principles can allow for parametric images as well as the extraction of time–activity curves (TACs) within selected volumes of interest [1].
While dynamic protocols are widely used in SPECT imaging, similar approaches in PET imaging outside of cerebral PET or research setting are still debated and currently not well established.