Whole body simultaneous PET/MRI: one-stop-shop?

Beginning of this century is hallmarked by arrival of hybrid imaging PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computerized tomography) which has become a standard of care primarily in oncology in a short span of time. Continuous research and development by industry and academia for exploiting the excellent soft tissue contrast, spectroscopy and precise measurement of various functional parameters by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with PET has resulted in emergence of whole body PET/MRI. It is expected this new hybrid modality would be warmly welcomed due to high magnitude of functional and morphostructural information at molecular level with low radiation dose which is indeed a point of concern for young and paediatric population. This short technical report for nuclear medicine readers will focus upon the various configuration and acquisition sequences of PET/MRI, attenuation correction and clinical applications of whole body simultaneous PET/MRI.