Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging (also called nuclear medicine or nuclear imaging) can image the function of cells inside the body at the molecular level. This includes the imaging modalities of positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. How does PET and SPECT imaging work? Small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into a patient. 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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ECR 2014: First-in-human glutamine PET trial results revealed

Preliminary data regarding the first known human trial involving glutamine PET for the detection of glioma showed encouraging pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, according to researchers presenting at this year’s European Congress of Radiology (ECR).

ECR 2014: EuroSafe Imaging campaign launched by ESR

As the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2014 kicked off yesterday, the founding European Society of Radiology (ESR) launched a partnership and project with the American College of Radiology, officially titled EuroSafe Imaging, with an aim to improve adoption of clinical protocols for safer, more appropriate use of radiological procedures.

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ECR 2014: Future of molecular imaging is now

VIENNA—Today marked the opening of the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2014 being held March 6-10 at the Austria Center Vienna. This is the 20th annual meeting of the European Society of Radiology (ESR), where an estimated 20,000 participants from 100 countries have come together to discuss the latest news and developments in the worldwide radiological community.

UltraSPECT and ASNC partner to provide technologist travel awards to attend ASNC2014

UltraSPECT, provider of the most cost-effective solutions for meeting American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) guidelines for low dose nuclear medicine imaging, announces today its support of nuclear medicine technologists via six new grants.
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On the Swell: Imaging Infection & Inflammation

Inflammation plays a major role in disease processes.

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Dialing Down Dose: Radiation Tracking and Reporting Tools

As imaging studios have markedly increased in the past two decades, so has the concern among some clinicians and media surrounding radiation dose management.

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Revolution, Not Revolt: The New Era of Stem Cell Cancer Research

Irving L. Weissman, MD’s stem cell research using PET and optical imaging has revealed how a novel antibody-based biomarker highlights areas of residual cancer with broad potential for therapeutic use.

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SPECT & PET: Tailoring Heart Failure Therapy

Molecular imaging is beginning to give cardiologists insight into biological processes behind heart failure, knowledge that may allow them to monitor disease progression and tailor therapies. But market realities still pose barriers.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.