Comprehensive analysis of pet and CT imaging: principles, applications, and future prospects

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) are two of the most critical imaging modalities in modern medicine. PET provides functional imaging based on metabolic activity, while CT offers high-resolution anatomical details. The integration of these technologies, PET/CT, has transformed diagnostic accuracy in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. This paper presents a comprehensive review of PET and CT, discussing their historical evolution, physical principles, technological advancements, and clinical applications. Furthermore, it explores the limitations and challenges of both modalities and future directions, including artificial intelligence and novel radiotracers, which aim to enhance their efficiency in personalized medicine.