PET-MR Commercial Scanner Possible In Near Future

According to a recent press release by Siemens, about launch of Biograph mMR, "Combining MRI and PET was a great technological feat, as the two processes using different physical effects could normally not work close to each other. The magnetic fields generated in MRI interfere with usual PET detectors, what until now prevented simultaneously taken high-resolution human images. Patients had to be scanned in two separate systems, with a certain time interval between the exams. With the Biograph mMR, Siemens has developed the first system that provide highly innovative PET detectors, which work very well inside an MR system."

MR-PET Imaging is feasible

In a paper by Heinz-Peter W. Schlemmer et al in Radiology 2008;248:1028-1035 authors concluded " MR/PET data enabled accurate coregistration of morphologic and multifunctional information. Simultaneous MR/PET imaging is feasible in humans, opening up new possibilities for the emerging field of molecular imaging. "

Looks like hybrid imaging is going to feel like science fiction soon.