The FDG-PET Revolution of Medical Imaging – Four Decades and Beyond

The use of 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) and positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasing rapidly – and the list of emerging and evolving applications is everexpanding in a multitude of clinical settings. In this anniversary review celebrating four decades of FDG, we will outline an overview of the present status of FDG imaging with emphasis on clinical implementation in the main indications of FDG-PET/CT, i.e. neurology and psychiatry, oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious and inflammatory diseases, including some general considerations towards clinical benefit and potential future directions.