Presurgical visualization of primary breast carcinoma with PET emission and transmission imaging

The aim of this study was to investigate a technique that visualizes findings from PET images in a context useful for surgery. Methods: Simultaneously acquired PET emission and transmission scans were used. By applying a multipurpose imaging, registration and rendering tool (MPM), displays of orthogonal and volume-rendered views or any combination thereof were obtained. The PET emission and transmission scans were acquired under routine conditions. The final user-customized display (with a combination of orthogonal cuts and rendered views) was processed in 10 min or less on commercially available hardware. Distinct features of the body shape were clearly visible on the volume-rendered transmission views. Hot spots, e.g., in primary breast cancer, from the emission scans could be easily assessed in their localization relative to the body outline. Conclusion: Rendering of the main signatures in a single comprehensive display makes this method potentially valuable for simple presurgical workup and therapeutic management of breast cancer.