PET scans MCQs Radiology

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 14, 2024

1. What is the primary principle behind PET scans?
A) Detection of gamma rays emitted from a radiotracer
B) Measurement of magnetic fields
C) X-ray transmission through the body
D) Detection of sound waves reflected from tissues

Answer: A) Detection of gamma rays emitted from a radiotracer


2. What type of radiotracer is commonly used in PET imaging?
A) Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
B) Iodine-131
C) Technetium-99m
D) Gadolinium

Answer: A) Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)


3. What is the primary clinical use of FDG-PET scans?
A) To evaluate metabolic activity and detect tumors
B) To assess bone density
C) To visualize anatomical structures
D) To measure blood flow

Answer: A) To evaluate metabolic activity and detect tumors


4. How does a PET scan differ from a CT scan?
A) PET scans measure metabolic activity, while CT scans measure anatomical structures
B) PET scans use X-rays, while CT scans use sound waves
C) PET scans are faster than CT scans
D) PET scans use magnetic fields, while CT scans use gamma rays

Answer: A) PET scans measure metabolic activity, while CT scans measure anatomical structures


5. What is ‘attenuation correction’ in PET imaging?
A) A process to correct for loss of signal due to absorption by body tissues
B) A method to enhance image resolution
C) A technique to adjust for patient movement
D) A procedure to increase the scan speed

Answer: A) A process to correct for loss of signal due to absorption by body tissues


6. What is the main advantage of combining PET with CT in PET/CT imaging?
A) Provides both functional and anatomical information in a single scan
B) Reduces the radiation dose
C) Increases scan time
D) Enhances only anatomical imaging

Answer: A) Provides both functional and anatomical information in a single scan


7. What is the typical radiotracer used for PET imaging of the brain?
A) Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
B) Gallium-68
C) Rubidium-82
D) Sodium-18

Answer: A) Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)


8. How does PET imaging detect cancer?
A) By identifying areas of increased glucose metabolism associated with tumors
B) By visualizing structural changes in tissues
C) By measuring blood flow in the body
D) By assessing bone density

Answer: A) By identifying areas of increased glucose metabolism associated with tumors


9. What is the primary limitation of PET scans?
A) Limited spatial resolution compared to CT or MRI
B) High radiation exposure
C) High cost of the radiotracers
D) Difficulty in imaging soft tissues

Answer: A) Limited spatial resolution compared to CT or MRI


10. What does ‘dynamic PET imaging’ refer to?
A) Capturing PET images over time to assess changes in radiotracer distribution
B) A single static image acquisition
C) Using multiple radiotracers simultaneously
D) Increasing the scan speed

Answer: A) Capturing PET images over time to assess changes in radiotracer distribution


11. What is ‘PET scan sensitivity’?
A) The ability of the PET scanner to detect low levels of radiotracer
B) The clarity of anatomical details
C) The resolution of the images
D) The speed of the scanning process

Answer: A) The ability of the PET scanner to detect low levels of radiotracer


12. In PET imaging, what does ‘metabolic activity’ refer to?
A) The rate at which tissues consume glucose or other radiotracers
B) The structural changes in tissues
C) The level of radiation exposure
D) The resolution of the images

Answer: A) The rate at which tissues consume glucose or other radiotracers


13. What is the main purpose of using PET in cardiology?
A) To assess myocardial viability and blood flow
B) To measure bone density
C) To evaluate joint conditions
D) To visualize brain activity

Answer: A) To assess myocardial viability and blood flow


14. What does ‘fusion imaging’ in PET refer to?
A) Combining PET images with images from other modalities like CT or MRI
B) Increasing the resolution of PET images
C) Enhancing the contrast of the PET images
D) Capturing multiple images in rapid succession

Answer: A) Combining PET images with images from other modalities like CT or MRI


15. What is ‘radiotracer uptake’ in PET imaging?
A) The absorption of radiotracer by tissues, indicating metabolic activity
B) The time it takes to perform the scan
C) The size of the imaging field
D) The adjustment of image brightness

Answer: A) The absorption of radiotracer by tissues, indicating metabolic activity


16. What type of decay is utilized in PET radiotracers?
A) Positron emission
B) Gamma ray emission
C) Alpha decay
D) Beta decay

Answer: A) Positron emission


17. What is ‘standardized uptake value (SUV)’ in PET imaging?
A) A quantitative measure of radiotracer uptake in tissues
B) A measure of image resolution
C) A technique to enhance image clarity
D) A method to reduce scan time

Answer: A) A quantitative measure of radiotracer uptake in tissues


18. What is ‘PET scan noise’?
A) Random variations in the detected signal that can affect image quality
B) Artifacts from patient movement
C) Reflections from surrounding structures
D) The sound of the scanning equipment

Answer: A) Random variations in the detected signal that can affect image quality


19. What is ‘whole-body PET imaging’ used for?
A) Evaluating metabolic activity across the entire body
B) Focusing on a single anatomical region
C) Measuring bone density in specific areas
D) Imaging the brain only

Answer: A) Evaluating metabolic activity across the entire body


20. What does ‘PET scan resolution’ refer to?
A) The ability to distinguish between small structures in the images
B) The speed of the scanning process
C) The intensity of the radiotracer
D) The duration of the scan

Answer: A) The ability to distinguish between small structures in the images


21. What does ‘PET scan calibration’ involve?
A) Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the PET scanner’s measurements
B) Adjusting image contrast
C) Reducing the scan time
D) Increasing the radiotracer dose

Answer: A) Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the PET scanner’s measurements


22. What is the primary benefit of PET imaging in oncology?
A) Early detection and monitoring of cancerous tumors
B) Measuring bone density
C) Evaluating joint function
D) Assessing brain activity

Answer: A) Early detection and monitoring of cancerous tumors


23. What does ‘PET/CT fusion’ allow for?
A) Combining metabolic and anatomical information for more accurate diagnosis
B) Capturing images more quickly
C) Enhancing the contrast of PET images
D) Increasing the resolution of CT images

Answer: A) Combining metabolic and anatomical information for more accurate diagnosis


24. What is the role of ‘attenuation correction’ in PET/CT imaging?
A) To correct for the effects of body tissues absorbing or scattering the radiotracer
B) To improve the contrast of the CT images
C) To adjust for patient movement
D) To reduce the radiation dose

Answer: A) To correct for the effects of body tissues absorbing or scattering the radiotracer


25. What is ‘image fusion’ in PET imaging?
A) Combining PET images with those from other imaging modalities to enhance diagnostic accuracy
B) Merging multiple PET images into a single image
C) Increasing the image resolution
D) Adjusting the image brightness

Answer: A) Combining PET images with those from other imaging modalities to enhance diagnostic accuracy


26. What is ‘PET imaging of the brain’ commonly used to assess?
A) Brain metabolism and function
B) Bone density
C) Joint conditions
D) Fluid levels

Answer: A) Brain metabolism and function


27. What does ‘PET imaging of the heart’ evaluate?
A) Myocardial blood flow and viability
B) Bone fractures
C) Joint injuries
D) Fluid-filled structures

Answer: A) Myocardial blood flow and viability


28. What is ‘PET imaging in research’?
A) Investigating new tracers and imaging techniques for various medical conditions
B) Performing routine clinical diagnostics
C) Measuring bone density in patients
D) Enhancing image contrast

Answer: A) Investigating new tracers and imaging techniques for various medical conditions


29. What is ‘metabolic mapping’ in PET imaging?
A) Visualizing and quantifying the distribution of metabolic activity in tissues
B) Measuring anatomical structures
C) Enhancing image resolution
D) Reducing scan time

Answer: A) Visualizing and quantifying the distribution of metabolic activity in tissues


30. What is the role of a ‘radiopharmacist’ in PET imaging?
A) Preparing and providing the radiotracers used in PET scans
B) Operating the PET scanner
C) Analyzing the images produced by the scan
D) Ensuring patient comfort during the scan

Answer: A) Preparing and providing the radiotracers used in PET scans


31. What is the significance of ‘PET imaging in Alzheimer’s disease’?
A) Identifying patterns of brain metabolism associated with the disease
B) Measuring bone density
C) Assessing joint health
D) Evaluating liver function

Answer: A) Identifying patterns of brain metabolism associated with the disease


32. How is ‘radiotracer synthesis’ related to PET imaging?
A) The process of creating radiotracers for use in PET scans
B) Adjusting image resolution
C) Enhancing the scan contrast
D) Capturing multiple images in a single scan

Answer: A) The process of creating radiotracers for use in PET scans


33. What does ‘PET imaging of the lungs’ assess?
A) Metabolic activity related to lung diseases and tumors
B) Bone density
C) Joint conditions
D) Blood flow in the heart

Answer: A) Metabolic activity related to lung diseases and tumors


34. What does ‘PET scan localization’ involve?
A) Identifying the precise location of metabolic activity within the body
B) Adjusting the scan time
C) Enhancing image contrast
D) Measuring radiation exposure

Answer: A) Identifying the precise location of metabolic activity within the body


35. What is ‘static PET imaging’?
A) Capturing a single set of images at a specific time point
B) Monitoring changes in radiotracer distribution over time
C) Using multiple radiotracers simultaneously
D) Increasing the resolution of the images

Answer: A) Capturing a single set of images at a specific time point


36. What is the primary challenge in interpreting PET images?
A) Distinguishing between physiological and pathological uptake
B) Enhancing image clarity
C) Reducing radiation dose
D) Increasing scan speed

Answer: A) Distinguishing between physiological and pathological uptake


37. What does ‘PET scan calibration’ ensure?
A) The accuracy of the measurements and consistency of the images
B) The adjustment of image brightness
C) The reduction of scan time
D) The enhancement of image contrast

Answer: A) The accuracy of the measurements and consistency of the images


38. What is ‘PET imaging in oncology’ primarily used for?
A) Detecting and monitoring cancerous tumors
B) Evaluating bone density
C) Measuring blood pressure
D) Assessing joint health

Answer: A) Detecting and monitoring cancerous tumors


39. What is the significance of ‘PET imaging in detecting metastasis’?
A) Identifying spread of cancer to other parts of the body
B) Measuring bone density
C) Evaluating joint conditions
D) Assessing brain function

Answer: A) Identifying spread of cancer to other parts of the body


40. How is ‘PET imaging utilized in drug development’?
A) Assessing the effects of new drugs on metabolic processes
B) Measuring bone density
C) Enhancing image resolution
D) Reducing scan time

Answer: A) Assessing the effects of new drugs on metabolic processes


41. What does ‘PET scan quantification’ measure?
A) The amount of radiotracer uptake in tissues
B) The size of anatomical structures
C) The density of bones
D) The speed of the scanning process

Answer: A) The amount of radiotracer uptake in tissues


42. What is ‘PET imaging in brain research’ used to study?
A) Brain function and metabolic activity
B) Bone fractures
C) Joint injuries
D) Fluid levels in the abdomen

Answer: A) Brain function and metabolic activity


43. What does ‘PET imaging of the liver’ help to evaluate?
A) Metabolic activity and presence of tumors or abnormalities in the liver
B) Bone density
C) Joint conditions
D) Fluid-filled structures

Answer: A) Metabolic activity and presence of tumors or abnormalities in the liver


44. What is the purpose of ‘PET imaging in monitoring treatment response’?
A) Assessing how well a treatment is working by observing changes in metabolic activity
B) Measuring bone density
C) Evaluating joint function
D) Visualizing anatomical changes

Answer: A) Assessing how well a treatment is working by observing changes in metabolic activity


45. What is ‘PET scan artifact’?
A) An unintended distortion or error in the PET images
B) A technique to enhance image contrast
C) An adjustment to scan speed
D) A method for reducing radiation dose

Answer: A) An unintended distortion or error in the PET images


46. What does ‘PET imaging in infection detection’ focus on?
A) Identifying areas of increased metabolic activity associated with infection
B) Measuring bone density
C) Assessing joint conditions
D) Evaluating brain function

Answer: A) Identifying areas of increased metabolic activity associated with infection


47. What is ‘PET imaging of the pancreas’ used for?
A) Evaluating metabolic activity and detecting tumors or abnormalities in the pancreas
B) Measuring bone density
C) Assessing joint injuries
D) Imaging the brain

Answer: A) Evaluating metabolic activity and detecting tumors or abnormalities in the pancreas


48. What does ‘PET scan sensitivity’ refer to?
A) The ability to detect low levels of radiotracer activity
B) The clarity of anatomical details
C) The speed of the scanning process
D) The resolution of the images

Answer: A) The ability to detect low levels of radiotracer activity


49. What is ‘PET imaging of the bladder’ used to assess?
A) Metabolic activity and presence of tumors or abnormalities in the bladder
B) Bone fractures
C) Joint health
D) Fluid-filled structures

Answer: A) Metabolic activity and presence of tumors or abnormalities in the bladder


50. What is the role of ‘radiotracer distribution’ in PET imaging?
A) Determining the areas of the body where the radiotracer has been absorbed
B) Enhancing image contrast
C) Measuring bone density
D) Adjusting image resolution

Answer: A) Determining the areas of the body where the radiotracer has been absorbed