Integrated-Modality Imaging

In this issue of Academic Radiology, Hasegawa et al (1) present an extensive review of developments in integrated-modality imaging. Hasegawa’s group (2) has pioneered the development of a system integrating single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computed tomography (CT)—SPECT/CT; and a group working with David Townsend in Pittsburgh, Pa, has done the same with a system integrating positron emission tomography (PET) with CT—PET/CT (3). Currently, the widespread clinical introduction of PET/CT and SPECT/CT systems is proceeding at a staggering pace. The reasons for the sudden success of such systems are multiple and due to several factors that are partly unrelated to each other. These are discussed below. Furthermore, this new trend may be only the beginning of an expanded use of hybrid systems incorporating multiple, synergistic imaging modalities.