The utility of pharmacological and radiological interventions to optimize diagnostic information from PET/CT.

BACKGROUND Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is widely used in the assessment of many diseases, particularly including cancer. However, many factors can affect image quality and diagnostic performance of PET scans using FDG or other PET probes. MAIN BODY The aim of this pictorial essay is to review PET/CT protocols that can be useful to overcome these confounding factors in routine clinical situations, with a particular focus on pharmacological interventions and problem-oriented CT acquisition protocols. CONCLUSION Imaging protocols and representative cases will be discussed, in addition to potential contraindications and precautions to be taken.