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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New radiotracer has 'incredible potential' to improve management of spinal cord injuries

Experts hope the information gained from their research could help providers better determine whether patients will regain mobility after sustaining an injury. 

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Mexico, not China, is biggest tariff concern among radiology vendors

If 25% tariffs go into effect, it could have a big impact on the cost of medical imaging and radiotherapy systems, with many manufacturing facilities in Mexico. 

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Frontotemporal dementia often misdiagnosed due to misinterpretations of imaging

The reasons for misdiagnoses are wide-ranging, but interpretations of patients’ brain imaging may play a prominent role.

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Experts say one radiotracer outperforms all others when it comes to detecting prostate cancer

There are numerous radiotracers specifically designed to identify prostate cancer, but experts say one may be superior to the others at both the patient and lesion level. 

New radiotracers outperform FDA-approved agent for detection of tau tangles.

Radiotracers on FDA’s fast track exceed performance of already approved tau-detecting agent

If approved, the two agents could offer providers greater insight into the process of patients’ neurodegeneration.

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PET scans unlock clues that could help prevent epilepsy induced by head injuries

Post-traumatic epilepsy can be disabling, causing recurrent seizures that are unresponsive to preventive medications in up to 30% of patients.

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Dementia cases are about to skyrocket—how will this affect imaging demand?

Recent projections could create an environment of unprecedented demand for nuclear imaging.

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Experts update AUC for amyloid, tau PET imaging for first time in more than a decade

The new appropriate use criteria define 17 specific clinical scenarios, guiding providers on situations when amyloid or tau imaging are and are not appropriate.

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