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CAT and PET Scan

With the advances in science being made, we have found many different, innovative ways to take a look inside the body without using the invasive techniques we employed in the past. Gone are the days of cutting off the top of the head to peer at the brain. Now, we can use specialised scanning techniques, such as a computerised axial…

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CAT and PET Scan

CAT and PET Scan

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With the advances in science being made, we have found many different, innovative ways to take a look inside the body without using the invasive techniques we employed in the past. Gone are the days of cutting off the top of the head to peer at the brain. Now, we can use specialised scanning techniques, such as a computerised axial tomography (CAT) scan or the positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Both use different, detailed techniques to get an image of what's happening inside your body and brain.

  • We are going to explore CAT and PET scans in the world of psychology.
  • First, we will provide an explanation of PET and CAT scans.
  • We will detail how each technique works, providing images and examples of the results they produce.
  • Then, we will discuss the CAT and PET scans pros and cons, highlighting the various PET/CAT scan side effects.

CAT and PET Scans, patient on a bed near a doctor underdoing a CT scan, VaiaFig. 1: CT and PET scans are used by medical professionals and researchers.

Explanation of PET and CAT scans

Despite PET and CAT scans both being scanning techniques, the way they gain insight into the body's internal state is different. Both expose you to some form of radiation. Before we identify the differences between the CAT scan and PET scan, let's quickly define tomography so we know what we're talking about.

Tomography is a technique used to produce an image of a cross-section of the human body (such as the brain) using waves. These waves penetrate the tissues and create three-dimensional images of the body section, based on how easily the waves pass through these tissues.

Generally, we can think of tomography as an imaging technique.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

PET scans identify functional or dysfunctional high-activity and low-activity areas of the brain and body when scanning their internal state using a radioactive tracer that behaves similarly to glucose. PET scans identify areas of function and abnormalities by monitoring the metabolic rate and activity of cells; how your brain and body tissues use oxygen and glucose.

PET scans can identify blood flow based on these parameters, and then infer function and identify potential abnormalities based on this information.

Usually, a PET scan lasts around 30 minutes, so it's not a very fast scanning technique.

How Does a PET Scan Work?

Before a PET scan, a doctor injects a tracing radioactive dye (called a radiotracer) into your arm, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. It can take up to an hour for the dye to circulate to the right cells, significantly increasing the time needed for the procedure.

The radiotracer has a very similar structure to glucose, so when the body comes into contact with it, it treats it the same way. Glucose, as you know, is a form of sugar your body uses as fuel. Once an hour has passed, patients will enter the PET scanner, a tube-like machine which takes close to another hour to conduct.

  • When certain tissues are active more than others, they use more oxygen and glucose to fuel this activity. This is particularly prominent for the brain, so when we inject the dye and ask patients to think of certain things or perform specific actions, it should cause the brain (and the body) to use more of the dye to fuel the activity (increasing blood flow and oxygen use).

The radiotracer gives off energy in the form of gamma rays which the PET scanner can detect. When dye builds up in a particular area, we can make educated assumptions about what functions and potential abnormalities are happening in those areas.

The dye used can change depending on what the technicians are trying to identify in your body. For instance, fluorodeoxysorbital (FDS) is one of the common dyes used, and it detects bacterial abnormalities, whereas another dye called Gallium-68 dotatate is used to detect neuroendocrine tumours.

These show up on scans/images as hot or cold areas:

  • Red/yellow areas are places of high activity.
  • Blue/green areas are places of low activity.

Suppose one part of the brain is using more of the dye (believing it is glucose) during a memory task; we can assume that that area is related functionally to memory, as more blood is flowing to the area to fuel the activity. It will show up as red in comparison to other regions.

PET scans are used in cases of cancer. When someone has been confirmed to have cancer, their cancerous cells tend to consume more glucose than healthy cells. When it comes into contact with the dye, we can detect this activity with a PET scan.

It can help us identify certain disorders or diseases within the brain. Have a look at this PET scan of a healthy patient compared to a patient with Alzheimer's disease.

CAT and PET Scans, brain PET scan, Alzheimers, VaiaFig. 2: PET scans reveal information on a healthy versus unhealthy brain.

We can see many active areas of the brain showing up red in the normal brain patient, but a lot of low activity, blue areas in the Alzheimer's patient, showing how the disease has affected the brain and its functions.

Raine et al. (1997) used a PET scan to identify brain abnormalities in murderers and found that they indeed did have lower activity in areas associated with controlling aggressive behaviours (such as the prefrontal cortex).

Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan

CAT scans use X-rays to create detailed images of the internal state of the body and brain. They can be used in conjunction with PET scans. A CAT scan can identify the differences between the various tissues, showing bone, soft tissues, and other internal structures.

CAT scans may also be referred to as CT scans, as they are the same thing. Most people now call CAT scans CT scans

Usually, a CAT scan lasts for around 10 to 20 minutes, although it can be as long as an hour if necessary.

How Does a CAT Scan Work?

A CAT scan works by sending x-ray beams through your body to capture an image of what's going on inside of you. The X-ray takes images from many different angles and produces cross-sections of images, known as slices. The computer then combines these angles and sections to provide a detailed image of the area of the body you're scanning.

As we mentioned above, a contrast dye can aid this process, although it is not required. The images are usually given in black and white, so dyes increase the contrast and resolution of the images. Overall, a CAT scan provides more detailed images than a normal X-ray.

CAT scans are used to identify disorders of the muscle and bone and detect other conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and so on. They can be used to monitor the progress of these diseases, identifying if the treatment is helping.

For example, if you have a tumour in your bone, a CAT scan can identify this and help diagnose the issue. It can identify the location of the tumour and then guide surgeons when operating to remove it, as it provides a detailed image of what is happening internally.

The image below depicts a CAT scan (CT scan) of a human brain. As you can see, it shows the different layers of the brain going from the base of the skull to the top.

CAT and PET Scans, CAT scan of the human brain, VaiaFig. 3: CT scan images of the human brain reveal information on the organ.

As we can see, the CAT and PET scan differences are quite evident in the two example photos we have given in the respective sections. Let's explore the differences between the two scanning techniques further.

CAT and PET Scan Difference

CAT and PET scans produce different images and provide different functions, as a result. CAT scans differ from PET scans in a few ways, most notably in their use of X-rays to create images of the body and brain, although they may use a dye to gain more detail in their computerised images. Mainly, PET scans provide insight into brain and body function and possible sources of dysfunction, and CAT scans can identify areas of dysfunction by locating abnormalities.

CAT scans are usually faster than PET scans overall.

CAT and PET Scans, a composite of images resulting from brain scans using a.) CT, b.) PET, and c.) fMRI, VaiaFig. 4: Here we can see a composite of images resulting from brain scans using a.) CT, b.) PET, and c.) fMRI¹.

PET Scan Pros and Cons

PET scans provide helpful information, but the technique has its issues.

Pros

First, let's explore the pros of PET scans.

  • They can detect and monitor conditions affecting heart and brain function and identify diseases and cancer.
  • PET scans can detect cancer earlier than most other tests available; a significant strength when catching cancer early can mean the difference between life and death.
  • They can detect areas that are dysfunctional or are not functioning normally. This could indicate many things, as mentioned above (for instance, it can show the location of a tumour).
  • The scan itself is non-invasive and painless (the injection of the dye may cause slight discomfort, but the scanning process is painless, and the dye can also be ingested, so this can be avoided altogether).
  • The information a PET scan provides can actually improve and alter the trajectory of the treatment plans. It allows doctors to monitor treatment, identify areas to target specifically and monitor the effectiveness of their current treatment plan.

Cons

Now, let's examine the cons of PET scans.

  • The PET scan is a little more invasive than a CAT scan in its need to inject the patient with the dye, although sometimes the dye can be ingested.
  • PET scans typically take a little longer than CAT scans, especially when we consider the time needed for the dye to circulate around the body.
  • The radiation from a PET scan can remain in the body for some time after the scan. However, the radiation is almost negligible in most cases, so it is not something concerning.
  • Being in a scanner can cause stress and feelings of claustrophobia in the patient, which is a con for both CAT and PET scans.
  • The dyes used can sometimes cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, vomiting, itching, and other not-so-pleasant feelings. People with certain disorders such as diabetes who use the FDS dye, for instance, may have to take extra precautions, as the FDS dye is very similar to glucose and can present problems in terms of increasing the time needed to address the concerns.
  • Although the PET scan is excellent at detecting cancer, if the tumours are slow-growing and not as active, they may not show up on the scans.
  • If you're pregnant, you are advised not to undergo a PET scan or CAT scan as the small amounts of radiation pose a risk to the unborn baby.

CAT Scan Pros and Cons

CAT scans provide helpful information, but the technique also has its issues.

Pros

First, let's highlight some of the pros of CAT scans.

  • CAT scans are typically faster than PET scans, and you do not have to wait for the same time for any dyes to take effect (unless one is administered to increase the contrast and resolution of the images).
  • For the same reason, they are also less invasive than PET scans, as there's no need to inject a dye for the scan to produce an image.
  • The radiation a person is exposed to during a scan lasts only during the scan; it does not stay in the body.
  • By using a CAT scan, the need to explore a condition through surgery or biopsy is reduced.
  • The CAT scan is not as rigid in its requirements, especially when we compare it to something like a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. MRIs require a patient to be still, whereas patients can move a little when having a CAT scan.
  • The images created from a CAT scan are very detailed, which creates a better environment for accurate diagnosis.

Cons

Now, the cons of CAT scans.

  • Although the ionising radiation only occurs for the time you're getting the scan, the radiation is greater than an average X-rays radiation output, so you're exposed to more radiation by getting a CAT scan. This can increase the risk of developing cancer.
  • Because of this risk of ionising radiation, you are limited in how many CAT scans you can get. They also assess if a CAT scan is necessary, ensuring a clear benefit to getting a scan that outweighs the potential risks.
  • Similar to a PET scan, pregnant people are advised not to get a CAT scan due to the risks posed by radiation exposure to the baby. Although, again, it is worth pointing out that the radiation dose is extremely low and poses little to no risk to humans.
  • If you are asked to take a dye to increase the image's detail, you face the same side effects the dye may induce in a PET scan.

A PET scan and a CAT scan can be combined to produce an even more detailed image of what's occurring internally.


CAT and PET scans - Key takeaways

  • PET scans focus more on identifying functional areas of the brain when scanning the internal state. They do this by measuring the metabolic rate of cells in the body. PET scans usually last for around 30 minutes, although they can go on longer.
  • PET scans can detect cancer earlier than other scans, are mostly non-invasive and painless (depending on how the dye is introduced to the body), and can aid the entire treatment course of diagnosing an issue and monitoring its progress. However, the injection is more invasive than a CAT scan, they take longer than CAT scans, and the dye can cause several side effects.
  • CAT scans use x-rays to create images of the body and brain, although they may use a dye to gain more detail in their computerised images. They typically take around 10 to 30 minutes to complete.
  • A CAT scan works by sending x-ray beams through the body to capture an image of what's going on inside of you. This happens at different angles and produces cross-sections of images, known as slices. These are combined to produce a computerised image.
  • CAT scans are used to identify muscle and bone disorders and detect other conditions such as cancer, heart disease, etc.

References

  1. Fig. 4: Image of different brain scan techniques by OpenStax, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions about CAT and PET Scan

A PET scan uses a tracing radioactive dye that requires one hour wait time to circulate around the body. The PET scan detects gamma rays emitted from this dye, creating an image of functional/dysfunctional areas based on the accumulation of this dye in high blood flow areas of the body and brain, indicating increased activity.

 

CAT scans use X-ray beams to create images of the body and brain (although they can also use a dye to increase the detail of their images). This happens at different angles to produce cross-sections of images, known as slices, combined into a computerised image. They do not require the dye. 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans and Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT) scans, also known as CT scans, are techniques used to assess and produce images of the internal state of the body and brain.

A PET scan and a CAT scan can be combined to produce an even more detailed image of what's occurring internally in the body. 

CAT scans show a detailed, black and white image of the internal state of the body and brain. PET scans show functional areas of the body and brain by highlighting high activity areas in red/yellow, and low activity areas in blue/green.

Technically, PET scans provide more accurate information than CAT scans, as they show cellular activity within the tissues being analysed, which shows function/dysfunction. One of the most common dyes, fluorodeoxysorbital (FDS), is very similar to glucose and is treated as such in the body. Cancerous cells, for example, use more glucose than healthy cells, so more dye will accumulate in cancerous cells, which is detectable earlier than CAT scans. 

Final CAT and PET Scan Quiz

CAT and PET Scan Quiz - Teste dein Wissen

Question

What does PET stand for in PET scan?

Show answer

Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan 

Show question

Question

What does CAT stand for in CAT scan?

Show answer

Answer

Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan 

Show question

Question

Do both the PET scan and the CAT scan expose you to radiation?

Show answer

Answer

Yes.

Show question

Question

What is tomography?

Show answer

Answer

Tomography is a technique used that produces an image/representation of a cross-section of the human body (such as the brain) using waves. These waves penetrate the tissues and create three-dimensional images of the section it is scanning, based on how easily the waves pass through these tissues.  

Show question

Question

What do PET scans reveal in their images?

Show answer

Answer

PET scans identify functional or dysfunctional high activity and low activity areas of the brain when scanning the internal state 

Show question

Question

How do PET scans work?

Show answer

Answer

They work by:


  1. Injecting a tracing radioactive dye into the bloodstream (waiting one hour for it to circulate).
  2. This dye resembles glucose, usually, and the body treats it as such. 
  3. High activity areas require more glucose to use as fuel, more blood, and more oxygen.
  4. The dye accumulates in these areas indicating high activity and giving off positrons that are detectable by the PET scan.
  5. This produces the red and blue images we associate with PET scans.

Show question

Question

An area of the brain which is red/yellow in a PET scan image is an area of _____ activity. 

Show answer

Answer

High.

Show question

Question

How does a CAT scan work?

Show answer

Answer

A CAT scan works by sending x-ray beams through your body to capture an image of what's going on inside of you. This happens at different angles and produces cross-sections of images, known as slices, and the circular scanning machine alters angles at it scans you. 


The computer then combines these angles and sections together to provide a detailed image of the area of the body you're scanning. 

Show question

Question

Do CAT scans use dyes?

Show answer

Answer

They can use dyes, yes, although it is not necessary. Dyes help increase the contrast and resolution of the images, increasing their detail. 

Show question

Question

What is a major difference between the images provided by PET scans and CAT scans?

Show answer

Answer

CAT scans are black and white images, whereas PET scans are red/yellow and blue/green images that indicate activity in their images. 

Show question

Question

A CAT scan is faster than a PET scan, true or false?

Show answer

Answer

True. 

Show question

Question

Are PET scans able to detect cancer earlier than other techniques?

Show answer

Answer

Yes. 

Show question

Question

Name two pros of PET scans.

Show answer

Answer

  • The procedure is non-invasive and painless (the injection of the dye may cause small discomfort, but the scanning process is painless, and the dye can also be ingested so this can be avoided altogether). 
  • The information a PET scan provides can actually improve and alter the trajectory of the treatment plans, as it allows doctors to monitor treatment, identify areas to target specifically and monitor the effectiveness of their current treatment plan.


Any others can be given - see the explanation for more details on pros. 

Show question

Question

What are the cons of a PET scan?

Show answer

Answer

  • The PET scan is a little more invasive than a CAT scan in its need to inject the patient for the dye, although sometimes the dye can be ingested. 
  • PET scans typically take a little longer than CAT scans 
  • The radiation from a PET scan can remain in the body for some time after the scan 
  • The dyes used can sometimes cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, vomiting 

Show question

Question

What are the pros of a CAT scan?

Show answer

Answer

  • CAT scans are typically faster than PET scans 
  • For the same reason, they are also less invasive than PET scans, as there's no need to inject a dye for the scan to produce an image 
  • The radiation a person is exposed to during a scan lasts only during the scan, it does not stay in the body. 
  • By using a CAT scan, the need to explore a condition through surgery or biopsy is reduced.
  • The images created from a CAT scan are very detailed  

Show question

Question

What are the cons of CAT scans?

Show answer

Answer

  • Although the ionising radiation only occurs for the amount of time you're getting the scan, the radiation is greater than a normal X-rays radiation output, so you're exposed to more radiation by getting a CAT scan. This can increase the risk of developing cancer. 
  • Because of this risk of ionising radiation, you are limited in how many CAT scans you can get.
  • Similar to a PET scan, pregnant people are advised not to get a CAT scan due to the risks posed by radiation exposure to the baby.   

Show question

Question

Can you combine PET and CAT scans together?

Show answer

Answer

Yes. You can combine a PET scan image and a CAT scan image to produce an even more detailed image of what's occurring internally.  

Show question

Question

Name two pros of PET scans (cont.)

Show answer

Answer

  • They can detect and monitor conditions affecting heart and brain function and identify diseases and cancer. 
  • PET scans can detect cancer earlier than most other tests available; a significant strength when catching cancer early can mean the difference between life or death. 


Show question

Question

What are the cons of a PET scan? (cont.)

Show answer

Answer

  • Although the PET scan is excellent at detecting cancer, if the tumours are slow-growing and not as active, they may not show up on the scans.
  • If you're pregnant, you are advised not to undergo a PET scan or CAT scan as the small amounts of radiation pose a risk to the unborn baby. 


Show question

Question

What are the cons of CAT scans? (cont.)

Show answer

Answer

  • If you are asked to take a dye to increase the image's detail, you face the same side effects the dye may induce in a PET scan. 


Show question

Question

Can a CAT scan identify a tumour on your bone?

Show answer

Answer

Yes. If you have a tumour in your bone, a CAT scan can identify this and help diagnose the issue.  

Show question

Question

If you have a tumour in your bone, how will a CAT scan help surgeons when treating it?

Show answer

Answer

CAT scans can identify the location of the tumour and then guide surgeons when operating to remove it, as it provides a detailed image of what is happening internally. 

Show question

Question

Can CAT scans identify risk of heart disease?

Show answer

Answer

Yes. They can detect plaque build-up in the coronary arteries, which can indicate a risk of heart disease. 

Show question

Question

What did Raine et al. (1997) find in their study?

Show answer

Answer

Raine et al. (1997) used a PET scan to identify brain abnormalities in murderers and found that they indeed did have lower activity in areas associated with controlling aggressive behaviours (such as the prefrontal cortex). 

Show question

Question

How are cancerous cells detected using a PET scan?

Show answer

Answer

When someone has been confirmed to have cancer, their cancerous cells tend to consume more glucose than healthy cells. When it comes into contact with the dye, we can detect this activity with a PET scan. 

Show question

Question

The radiotracer used in PET scans gives off energy in the form of _____ rays which the PET scan can detect.

Show answer

Answer

gamma

Show question

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