Perfusion CT: An Overview Of Technique And Clinical Applications

Introduction Perfusion CT is an exciting CT technology which allows functional evaluation of tissue vascularity. Due to rapid technological advancements in the multi-detector CT systems and the availability of commercial software perfusion CT has broadened its role in the routine imaging with wide ranging applications from initial assessment of acute stroke to comprehensive evaluation of tumors. The greatest impact of the perfusion CT has been in the assessment of stroke patients, where the rapid scan timing and fast post processing has cemented its role as a modality of choice for evaluation of the both structural and functional status of cerebral vasculature [1]. Perfusion CT is also finding increasing utility in oncology with a wide array of applications in tumor diagnosis, staging, prognostic evaluation and monitoring therapeutic response[2-9]. Though primarily still used as a research tool, perfusion CT is emerging as a preferred technique for assessment of tumor response to the anti-angiogenic drugs[10, 11]. This article reviews the basic principles, technique and discusses the various oncological and non-oncological clinical applications of perfusion CT in various oncological and non-oncological settings.