What technique combines both positron emission tomography and computed tomography?

The technique that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) is known as PET-CT. This hybrid imaging technique allows for the acquisition of functional information from the PET scan and the anatomical details from the CT scan in a single examination. As a result, PET-CT provides a more comprehensive view of the patient’s condition, enabling better diagnosis, treatment planning, and response evaluation in oncology.

PET scans are excellent for detecting metabolic activity associated with cancer, while CT scans are superior for providing detailed images of structures within the body. The integration of both allows healthcare providers to precisely localize areas of abnormal metabolic activity and correlate them with anatomical structures, leading to improved accuracy in identifying tumors and assessing their behavior.

In comparison, the other imaging techniques listed do not provide this dual functionality. A CT scan offers detailed structural imaging but lacks the metabolic and functional insights provided by PET. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) focuses on soft tissue contrast but does not incorporate metabolic imaging. X-rays are primarily used for evaluating bone structures and some soft tissue conditions but do not facilitate the detailed anatomical and functional analysis that PET-CT offers. Thus, PET-CT stands out as the correct and most informative option for combining metabolic and anatomical imaging.