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

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

Anesthesiologist Lars Eriksson of the Karolinska Institute and University Hospital in Stockholm and colleagues performed positron emission tomography scans on eight men in their 50s and 60s before and after prostate surgery.

From Science Magazine • May 31, 2017

The randomized study, conducted in 2009, asked 47 participants to undergo positron emission tomography, or PET, scans, a type of scan used to measure brain glucose metabolism, a marker of brain activity.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2011