From imaging to intervention: emerging potential of PET biomarkers to shape therapeutic strategies for TBI-induced neurodegeneration

This review examines the role of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tracers in advancing our understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced neurodegeneration and the therapeutic targets they help to identify. It focuses on tracers used to evaluate post-TBI alterations in metabolism, amyloid, tau, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter systems. These molecular imaging tools provide critical insights into pathophysiological processes such as disrupted glucose metabolism, amyloid deposition, tau accumulation, chronic neuroinflammatory responses, and neurotransmitter dysregulation. The review also explores how these tracers, as imaging biomarkers, may guide future therapeutic strategies. Finally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating PET imaging into TBI diagnosis, longitudinal monitoring, and treatment planning.