Advances in Medical Imaging: Will Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy Be the Promise of Preventive Diagnostics

Abstract:

Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) offers a transformative approach to medical imaging, providing detailed insights into molecular structures. Although PAS has been extensively applied in studying defects in semiconductors and synthetic materials—yielding quantitative data on their microscopic properties—its potential in medical imaging could significantly enhance diagnostic methodologies. The application of positrons and other forms of radiation in analyzing living tissues necessitates careful consideration of potential damage. In this work, a model method designed to determine the optimal dose for experimental measurements is introduced. While Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has been instrumental in clinical diagnostics using radiopharmaceuticals to visualize metabolic processes, PAS presents a cutting-edge tool for improving the specificity and accuracy of biological imaging. Its capability to non-destructively explore structural transformations and micro-environmental changes in biological samples positions it as a promising innovation in diagnostics, paving the way for enhanced healthcare outcomes globally.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 374)
• Pages: 125-134
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-WJwI48
• Online since: July 2025
• Authors: Matteo Vicini, Paola Folegati, Rafael Ferragut, Claudio Conci*
• Keywords: Computed Tomography, Diagnostics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Medical Imaging, Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy, Positron Emission Tomography

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