What is a typical use for F-18 besides imaging the brain?

Fluorine-18 (F-18) is widely known for its use in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, particularly in oncology and neuroimaging. One of its typical uses beyond brain imaging is the detection of infections. This is primarily achieved through the use of F-18 labeled compounds, such as F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which is taken up by metabolically active cells, including inflammatory cells in the area of infection.

In the case of infections, the heightened metabolic activity of leukocytes (white blood cells) allows for the visualization of areas impacted by infection or inflammation on a PET scan. This makes F-18 particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as abscesses, osteomyelitis, or other infectious processes.

In contrast, the other options listed typically do not utilize F-18 in the same manner. Bone scanning usually employs different radiopharmaceuticals like technetium-99m (Tc-99m) compounds, thyroid studies often involve iodine isotopes such as I-123 or I-131, and cardiac perfusion imaging commonly uses agents like Tc-99m or rubidium-82.