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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SMARTVis improves diagnostics by fusing cardiac CTA and SPECT MPI data

Combining CT angiography (CTA) and SPECT MPI is useful for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and shows more diagnostic benefit than just one of the modalities or consecutive use of the two technologies, according to a study published Jan. 1 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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Molecular breast imaging: a review

Breast-specific imaging systems are by far the most sensitive and specific molecular modalities for the visualization of breast tumors, according to a review published Jan. 16 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Macrocyclics expands PET applications, serotonin-neurotransmission imaging

New copper-64 and gallium-68 chelating platforms are being developed by Macrocyclics, a subsidiary of AREVA Med, the company announced Jan. 10. Four new formulas would expand the company’s PET imaging portfolio.

Sodium fluoride PET/CT points to plaques, predicts heart attack

A PET/CT study followed 40 sufferers of heart attacks and just as many matched controls imaged with conventional coronary angiography and sodium fluoride PET/CT to gauge vulnerable plaques and see potential risk of heart attack.

U.S. Alzheimer’s funding increase signed into law

A $122 million boon for U.S. Alzheimer’s research funding was signed by President Obama on Jan. 16.

PET study tests how a video game points out possible Alzheimer’s disease

Akili Interactive Labs and Pfizer are partnering to evaluate patients’ risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by following their performance while playing a specialized video game, Akili announced Jan. 9.

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Tau therapeutic agent in the works

Biopharmaceutical company Intellect Neurosciences announced Jan. 16 that a potentially disease-modifying tau agent is in the preliminary stages of validation for neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s.

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Congress presents plea for $122M Alzheimer’s disease funding

A bill that would increase Alzheimer’s research funding appropriations by $122 million has passed Congress and is now under deliberation by the president.

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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.