PET CT Scan (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is considered a cutting-edge exam in the currently available repertoire of diagnostic imaging tests, to diagnose a variety of diseases, particularly cancers. PET CT may also be used to interpret conditions involving neurological or cardiac abnormalities. PET CT may also allow physicians to discover the condition at a much earlier stage than may be evident to the patient. PET CT is relatively safe too and has unique advantages in differentiation of diagnoses evaluated compared to more traditional assessments such as MRI Scan, CT scan and other forms of diagnostic imaging procedures.
However, side effects of a PET CT cannot be overlooked in the patient population, given the multiple side effects that can happen to patients with different medical conditions. Side effect severity can range from mild to moderate to moderate severity depending on the individual patient condition.
List of Side Effects of PET CT Scan
Radiation Exposure
- Radiation exposure from the PET CT procedure is one of the easiest but serious side effects of PET CT testing.
- Repeated testing can lead to radiation exposure, which can lead to a significant health condition.
- Temporary exposure to radiation is not harmful, but in some circumstances, such as pregnancy, exposure can be dangerous.
- Radiation exposure is low, during the testing, but the level of exposure can be damaging to children and pregnant women.
- This can result in complications.
Allergic Reactions from Radioactive Tracer
- PET CT scans utilize radioactive tracers such as FDG glucose. Some individuals may experience allergies due to these radioactive tracers.
- The allergies related to radioactive tracers can range from mild to severe.
- Mild allergies may include symptoms like nausea, vomiting, rash, redness, etc.
- Severe allergic reactions may include swelling, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, and organ dysfunction like kidney issues.
- Severe allergic reactions should be treated in a timely manner and promptly taken to the hospital.
Discomfort from Injection
- Some patients may be very uncomfortable with the injection of radioactive tracer.
- There may be symptoms like redness, pain, and swelling post injection.
- Symptoms of tenderness or bruising may still be present post injection.
- Swelling at the injection site with a rash.
- There is a slight possibility of infection at the injection site.
Low Blood Sugar in Diabetic Patients
- Patients with diabetes should be cautious during the test and must disclose that they are diabetic before undergoing the test.
- The physician will provide instruction for the diabetic patient regarding taking the radioactive tracer.
- Incorrect uptake of insulin could pose serious problems if the patient were to become hypoglycemic.
- Diabetic patients will always be provided specialized instructions to avoid any type of side effect or ambiguity regarding the PET CT scan.
Side Effects of Contrast Dye
- PET CT scan requires contrast dye to obtain accurate scanning and better pictures of the area of interest.
- Dye contrast used in PET CT scan may have different side effects including nausea, headache, vomiting, and other medical conditions.
- There may be a rare risk of an infection at the injection site.
- Dye contrast may be harmful to the kidneys and may cause kidney failure in rare cases.
6. Temporary Increase in Radiation in the Body
- PET CT scan uses radioactive radiation, which can increase the radiation level in body for some time.
- Remains of radioactive tracer in the body after contrast dye.
- Avoid contact with infants, children and other people for about 12-24 hours till radiation gets low.
- Intake of water in large quantity to flush out radioactive tracer.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns
- Expectant women are advised to undergo PET CT scan only in crying emergency.
- If absolutely necessary, there are protocols to preform a PET CT scan.
- You are advised to avoid breast feeding for 24 hours after the PET CT scan, as the radiation taken in will have been neutralized & dye should be out of your system after this time.
Claustrophobia and Anxiety
- A PET CT scan is a closed space machine, which can evoke fears of claustrophobia in patients.
- The test may lead to anxious thoughts in patients.
- Some patients may become distressed and restless by simply thinking about the results of the test.
- The procedure requires the patient to stay in a supine position for about 30-60 minutes.
- This may be an uncomfortable duration for some patients.
Fatigue After the Scan
- The PET CT procedure is complicated and busy, which the patient may feel fatigue.
- The patient must fast for at least 6 hours, which can be a contributor to fatigue and tiredness.
- After several hours of testing, food and hydration will help to regain strength.
Some Rare Side Effects
- The patient may experience dizziness, headache, vomiting, etc.
- These do not need any treatment and will resolve on their own.
- In very rare cases, some allergic reactions may lead to kidney damage or failure.
What Precautions Should be Taken After a PET CT Scan?
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid physical contact with children up to 24 hours
- Follow medical directions
- Disclose any allergic condition before going for test
- Continue contact with a doctor until the symptoms are all gone
Conclusion
PET CT scan is a very efficient and advanced test used to look for medical conditions like cancer, neurological problems and cardiac abnormalities. PET CT scan uses radiation with radioactive tracer, which helps to detect the condition early even when symptoms are not visible. There are various side effects of PET CT scan and these include exposure to radiation, allergic conditions, not suitable for pregnant women etc.
Even though the advantages exceed the side effects of the test, this is why the test is used for the most cancer conditions. This test helps to detect the condition very early even when symptoms are not visible to the patient. PET CT is almost safe and has various benefits over conventional testing procedures like MRI, CT and other radiological tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can PET CT scans cause cancer?
The risk is extremely small, but radiation exposure may slightly increase long-term risk. The benefits usually outweigh this concern.
Q. Is PET CT safe for children?
It is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary due to children’s sensitivity to radiation.
Q. Does PET CT cause kidney problems?
In some rare cases, there may be problems related to kidneys due to PET CT scan.
Q. What are the side effects of PET CT scan?
There are various side effects like allergy, radiation exposure, not good pregnant women etc.
