positron emission tomography

American  

noun

1. the process of producing a PET scan.

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positron emission tomography British  

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

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positron emission tomography Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of positron emission tomography

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

positron emission tomography

Dutch peer Royal Philips doesn’t compete in radio-oncology or positron emission tomography, but it is already seeing pressure through centralized procurement of ultrasound equipment, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Benson and Stronach’s 1/ST Racing chief operating officer, Aidan Butler, point to the company’s investment in standing positron emission tomography machines as one innovation that has reduced fatalities.

From Washington Times ● May 17, 2023

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 ● Mar. 9, 2023

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

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 5, 2022

In medical school she read an article in Scientific American about one of the first American positron emission tomography scanners, able to photograph not only the brain’s structures but also its invisible processes.

From New York Times ● Jun. 13, 2011