Final answer:
Fluorine-18 is used to visualize brain activity and diagnose brain tumors among other neurological disorders using PET scans. It helps to identify regions of metabolic activity by creating detailed images showing how the brain functions. It is particularly effective in revealing areas of high glucose metabolism, which is indicative of active brain cells and potentially cancerous growths.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physicians use fluorine-18 in medical imaging studies of the brain primarily to visualize brain activity and diagnose conditions such as tumors. Fluorine-18 is incorporated into a glucose analog called fludeoxyglucose (FDG), which is absorbed by active brain cells. Since cancers and active brain tissues use glucose differently than normal tissues, FDG can reveal metabolic activity and abnormalities within the brain. The positron emissions from fluorine-18 interact with electrons, producing gamma radiation, which is detected by a PET scanner to create a detailed image of brain function.
PET scans with FDG are particularly useful for diagnosing neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, determining areas affected by epilepsy, and differentiating between types of brain tumors. By highlighting areas of increased glucose metabolism, physicians can assess brain activity, pinpoint areas of concern, and evaluate the progression or remission of a disease.
Moreover, PET scans combined with CT can offer comprehensive insights into both the appearance and function of brain tissues, enhancing the diagnostic process significantly.