Intramuscular 18F-sodium fluoride is a viable alternative to intravenous injection for positron emission tomography detection of atherosclerosis in Amazon parrots

An optimized protocol for PET imaging in psittacine birds using a similar scanner is proposed with the administration of approximately 0.3 mCi 18F-NaF IM or IV, a 1-hour uptake period, and a 10- to 15-minute acquisition to balance image quality, diagnostic sensitivity, procedural simplicity, and radiation safety.