Lung activity in PET is most prominent on which type of images?

Lung activity in PET imaging is most prominent on non-attenuation corrected images because these images provide a clearer representation of the radiotracer distribution without the influence of corrections for tissue density variations that might obscure underlying activity. In non-attenuation corrected images, the raw data is displayed, which can highlight areas of increased metabolic activity, such as tumors or lesions in the lungs. This is particularly useful in the evaluation of lung pathology, as the uptake of the radiotracer is directly related to metabolic processes occurring within the lung tissue.

Attenuated corrected images, while providing a more accurate reflection of the true distribution of the radiotracer, can sometimes mask prominent uptake in certain areas due to compensation for tissue density differences. Therefore, while attenuation correction is important for quantitative analysis, it might not prioritize the prominence of lung activity as effectively as non-corrected images do.

The choice of image type directly influences how lung metabolism and pathology are visualized, making it essential for accurate interpretation in clinical settings.