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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After nearly decade-long journey, CMS retires coverage barriers for non-oncologic PET scans

The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance praised the move, saying more patients will now have access to potentially lifesaving care.

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American Society of Nuclear Cardiology says AHA/ACC chest pain guidelines miss the mark

One of the group's primary concerns is the "inappropriately large role" given to FFR-CT. 

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Researchers unveil first three-photon PET scanner with big implications for cancer care

The J-PET scanner will enable total-body positron emission tomography machines to be produced five times cheaper than traditional crystal-based technologies, experts said recently.

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ACR releases new benchmarks to help radiology departments optimize radiation dose levels

The college's long-awaited guidance incorporates nearly five years' worth of data gathered from more than 1,600 healthcare facilities.

NorthStar breaks ground on isotope facility, moves toward doubling domestic Mo-99 supply

President and CEO Stephen Merrick said the company is "well on its way" to having dual production and processing pathways for the valuable medical imaging radioisotope.

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Pre-treatment PET/CT helps doctors select best candidates for prostate cancer therapy

A single time point 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT scan also predicts absorbed therapy dosage for at-risk organs, experts recently discovered.

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Unnamed radiology group gains federal OK to subsidize Medicare costs in upcoming PET study

The Office of the Inspector General redacted the organizations' names listed in its advisory opinion, published recently.

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PSMA-PET alters care for nearly 50% of patients with metastatic liver cancer

New research also revealed that the molecular imaging technique can better diagnose cancer spread compared to conventional CT scanning.

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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.