Which imaging modality is primarily associated with nuclear medicine?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is primarily associated with nuclear medicine because it operates on the principles of nuclear medicine technology, which involves the use of radioactive isotopes. In PET imaging, a radiotracer that emits positrons is injected into the body. These positrons interact with electrons, leading to the production of gamma rays that are detected by the PET scanner. This allows for the visualization of metabolic processes in tissues, which is a hallmark of nuclear medicine.

The unique capability of PET to provide functional information about metabolic activity differentiates it from other imaging modalities that primarily focus on anatomical details rather than the physiological processes within the body. PET is particularly valuable in oncology, cardiology, and neurology, where understanding metabolic changes is crucial for diagnosis and therapy planning.