Modern imaging methods based on combination of functional and morphological imaging belong to most dynamically developing diagnostic modalities. Positron emission tomography (PET) and computing tomography (CT) make use of electromagnetic waves. Positron emission tomography is based on the principle of emission of radiation, elicited by a radiopharmaceutical substance administered intravenously to the patient. Computed tomography creates an image on the basis of transmission of radiation, where the radiation source is localized outside the body of the patient and the examined subject is localized between the radiation source and the detection system. The combination of both methods in a single hybrid modality contributes to increased sensitivity and specificity of bothmethods, decreased radiation load for the patient andshortening of the diagnostic process. The first PET/CT camera introduced in the Czech Republic was in the „Na Homolce“ Hospital in June 3, 2003 and is presently the only such device in this country. The most frequent indications for PET/CT examination include tumor diseases, less frequently also inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to informabout technical principles of hybrid PET/CT imaging and about deal with the clinical experience with this promising method obtained so far.

        Key words: positron emission tomography (PET) - computed tomography (CT) - fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) - diagnostics - imaging - nuclear medicine