Large axial field of view PET/CT – Not just a longer PET gantry

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has undergone disruptive advancements in the past two decades. One of the most impactful technological developments is the introduction of Large Axial Field-of-View PET/CT (LAFOV PET/CT). These systems are transforming clinical routine by enabling dramatically shorter acquisition times and substantially higher sensitivity, thereby influencing all related workflows. Established procedures gain new diagnostic potential thanks to image quality and detection accuracy that surpass the limits of conventional PET/CT. Beyond routine clinical applications, advanced methods such as parametric imaging or system-based network analyses particularly benefit from LAFOV PET/CT, as the extended field of view allows for the simultaneous observation of all relevant organs in a single bed position. This review highlights the main system features of LAFOV PET/CT and their potential in clinical use.