Guidelines for the use of PET-CT in children, Second edition

The use of positron emission tomography co-registered with computed tomography (PET-CT) in adult oncology, neurology and cardiology is well established. The most common tracer used in clinical PET-CT is 18Fluorine fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). However, experience with PET-CT in the field of paediatric imaging is limited.

In the face of limited published data and experience, this report was compiled by individuals with experience in scanning children with PET-CT in the UK and paediatricians involved in clinical management of the type of conditions for which PET-CT is likely to be used. It represents a consensus reached between the authors of what is desirable ‘best’ practice.

Issues specifically relating to children are discussed in this document. It is assumed that guidance relating to ‘best practice’ in scanning adults with PET-CT will also be applied in children.

This document was reviewed by the Clinical Radiology Professional Support and Standards Board and the Clinical Radiology Faculty Board in 2017 and was retained in its current format.