Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Advanced Imaging is pleased announced the introduction of PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography combined with Computed Tomography) imaging services to Charlotte County and surrounding areas. State-of-the-art diagnostic services are critical to effectively diagnose and treat patients with heart disease.
Heart disease is still a leading cause of death for both men and women. In 2010 (most recent statistics available), 1 in 3 deaths in the United States was due to cardiovascular disease and 785,000 people per year will have their first heart attack. With the odds being 1 in 3, you are almost assured that a friend or family member will be effected.
PET/CT is a non-invasive procedure that combines CT’s fine anatomical detail with PET’s ability to detect biochemical abnormalities in the cell. This combination allows for more accurate detection of coronary artery disease than either CT or PET alone. A PET/CT scan helps your physician diagnose a problem, determine the best approach to treatment and monitor your progress.
“PET/CT is changing the way many doctors are managing cardiac patients nationwide” said Thomas M. Fabian M.D. of Advanced Imaging. PET imaging can accurately identify areas of abnormal myocardial perfusion; determine the functional capacity of your heart muscle, and separate viable (living) from non-viable (irreversibly damaged) tissue. This helps enable physicians to develop an effective treatment plan.
According to Dr. Fabian, “Combining CT with PET imaging gives us the best of both worlds. We not only have a very strong ability to identify the presence or extent of heart disease using PET imaging, we have the CT to help pinpoint exactly where a defect is located, the severity of the defect and what follow-up therapy or intervention is needed.” There are also distinct advantages of PET versus other diagnostic tools. The results from a PET/CT scan demonstrate improved image quality with greater contrast and resolution, allowing for more accurate diagnosis.
Due to the clinical value of PET imaging, the government and many private payors provide coverage based on the specific factors such as diabetics, patients who might not be able to do the stress test because of low back, knee, or hip pain or arthritis, and patients with inconclusive SPECT studies.
PET/CT offers important information for patients and physicians, and it’s now available in our community. Interested physicians should reach out to Dr. Fabian at Advanced Imaging to learn more about this important diagnostic tool. Patients who would like to know more about PET/CT should contact their physician, or call our center directly at 941-235-4646 for additional information. Our center can help assess whether it is appropriate to consider a PET/CT scan in their situation.
Advanced Imaging is the area’s premier imaging facility. Founded by Dr. Fabian in 2005, Advanced Imaging continues to provide the Port Charlotte and surrounding communities with the most advanced technology, most sophisticated exams in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It is our privilege to provide you and your family with the exceptional medical care that you deserve. For your convenience Advanced Imaging is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. For further information or to schedule an appointment, please call 941-235-4646 or visit our website at advimaging.com.
