Application of PET/CT and PET/MRI for evaluation of non-malignant disorders of the abdomen

Learning Objectives 1. To provide an overview of the potential role of PET imaging (including PET/CT and PET/MRI) for evaluation of non-malignant disorders that may involve the abdominal structures. 2. To briefly review the utility and application of PET/CT and PET/MRI for evaluation of specific non-malignant abdominal disorders including fever of unknown origin, hepatitis, cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV infection, mycobacterial infection, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, Erdheim-Chester disease, Rosai-Dorfmann disease, and inflammatory pseudotumor. 3. To review the potential role of semi-quantitative PET techniques to assess non-malignant disorders of the abdomen.

Positron emission tomography is a powerful molecular imaging technique that has been highly validated for disease detection, characterization, and treatment monitoring, predominantly in the setting of malignant disorders. In the recent years, there has been an increase in the number of investigations for the potential role of PET imaging for the assessment of non-malignant disease conditions. In this presentation, we will review the potential role and clinical applications of PET/CT and PET/MRI for assessment of non-malignant disease conditions affecting the abdominal structures. Semi-quantitative PET techniques that may be helpful in the global assesement of non-malignant abdominal disorders will also be reviewed.