Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

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An example of a positive amyloid plaque PET nuclear brain scan. these tests can help identify Alzheimer's patients earlier so they can be prescribed drugs to treat the condition.

CMS coverage decision for Alzheimer's drug, related PET scans sparks concern in imaging community

In a statement released on April 14, MITA cautioned that the coverage decision will “severely limit patient access” to amyloid PET diagnostics and anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies treatment.

April 18, 2022
The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate 

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

April 18, 2022
coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine vaccination

FDG PET/CT radiomics distinguishes between vaccine-related or metastatic breast cancer lymphadenopathy

The findings could help clinicians manage patients’ treatment when the origin of axillary lymphadenopathy is of concern, experts suggested. 

April 14, 2022
prostate cancer PSA

Combination therapy that includes new radionuclide proves effective for metastatic prostate cancer

The therapeutic combination of 177Lu-PSMA-617 with idronoxil (NOX66) reduced PSA levels in 86% of study participants.

April 8, 2022

MRI/PET scans link brainstem atrophy to dementia symptoms

Experts suggest that their findings could help differentiate between dementia and other neurological diseases that have similar symptoms.

April 7, 2022

New radiotracer that detects prostate cancer recurrence produces 'stunning' results

The research focused on a radiopharmaceutical that contains the isotope zirconium 89, which has a significantly longer half-life compared to gallium-68-labelled PSMA ligands.

March 29, 2022
Brain Scan

PET scans spot brain abnormalities in long COVID patients

For 47% of patients with long COVID symptoms, brain PET scans identified mild to moderate or severe hypometabolic patterns. 

March 29, 2022
approved approval

FDA approves new radioligand therapy for PSMA positive metastatic prostate cancer

In clinical trials, the therapy reduced patients' risk of death by 38%, along with significantly decreasing disease progression. 

March 24, 2022
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AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business
AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

Radiology Business
Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

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