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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Netherlands nuclear reactor has resumed operations after unplanned outage

The supply of medical radioisotopes is expected to normalize in the next two weeks now that the Petten HFR has resumed production.

March 18, 2022
Two top stories radiology this past month was the nuclear imaging isotope shortage and an ultrasound imaging study of COVID vaccine adenopathy.

Top Health Imaging stories in February 2022

These are the most popular stories on Health Imaging in February, based on more than 75,400 reader pageviews. 

March 2, 2022
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leaders in the radiology community are speaking out and publicly denouncing the aggressions.  On March 1, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) released a statement condemning the actions that have led to the loss of innocent lives of civilians in Ukraine, while also voicing concern for the workers managing the country’s nuclear facilities.

Radiology leaders speak out in support of Ukraine

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leaders in the radiology community are speaking out and publicly denouncing the aggressions. 

March 2, 2022
The Biden administration will fight back and appeal a ruling that overturned the federal mask mandate on airlines and public transportation.

'Pandemic brain': PET/MRI images reveal how COVID's impact is felt by non-infected individuals

A new analysis in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity shows that no one is immune to the effects of the ongoing pandemic. 

February 25, 2022

Prominent imaging society advocates for 5 changes following CMS amyloid PET payment decision

SNMMI is fighting for expanded coverage for amyloid PET, including broadening accepted sites of service, among other changes.

February 23, 2022

New advanced PET imaging reveals root of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's

The scans unearthed a significant association between synaptic density and decreased cognitive performance, Yale researchers revealed recently.

February 17, 2022

Isotope shortage update: Target restart date for downed reactor has been set

The supply of Mo-99 and Lu-177 is expected to normalize in the coming weeks, according to the most recent announcement from the Nuclear Medicine Europe Emergency Response Team.

February 16, 2022
prostate cancer PET/CT

Is PET/CT or multiparametric MRI best for detecting prostate cancer? New research offers guidance

A comparison of the detection rates for 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI in low, intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer was recently shared by experts in EJNMMI.

February 14, 2022
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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
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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