Hybrid PET Imaging in Neurologic Disease: PET/MRI Rather than PET/CT

Both structural and functional neuroimaging modalities have provided great insight into a variety of neurologic diseases. Techniques have now become available which allow coregistration of structural and functional imaging data, which have provided unique insights into neurologic function and pathophysiology. Hybrid SPECT/CT and PET/CT imaging platforms have further advanced understanding of brain structure/function. Recently, the first true hybrid PET/MRI devices have been introduced. This technologic breakthrough promises to contribute greatly to hybrid neuroimaging. Herein we review the impact of hybrid SPECT/CT and PET/CT, as well as PET/MRI coregistration techniques on a variety of neurologic diseases, including brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases, and pediatric conditions, with an emphasis on the future utility of hybrid PET/MRI imaging.