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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Total-body PET maximizes imaging sensitivity

PET is already considered the most sensitive non-surgical techniques for studying physiology, metabolism and molecular pathways, but experts believe recent developments may drastically increase its capabilities.

NY college develops radiation molecular gel to improve cancer imaging

A new radiation responsive esculin-derived molecular gel has been developed at the City College of New York (CCNY) that can simplify and improve the quality of cancer imaging, according to a release from CCNY.  

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Tau deposition doesn’t predict cognitive status of Parkinson’s patients

The more tau accumulation in the brain, the greater the likelihood that neuroimaging will reveal similarly elevated levels of brain beta amyloid. However, the buildup of these proteins does not affect the cognitive status of patients with Parkinson’s disease, according to a PET-based study published online Dec. 11 in JAMA Neurology.

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Nuke med intervention safe, effective against advanced liver cancer

Patients who have advanced liver cancer with blockage or narrowing of the blood vessel that brings blood to the liver from the intestines—i.e., portal vein thrombosis—are safely and effectively treated by interventional radiologists administering the isotope yttrium-90 (Y90) for radioembolization, according to a study conducted at Northwestern University and published online Dec. 7 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

UltraSPECT’s New Ultra-Secured Gateway Delivers Impenetrable Defense Against Cybercriminals Seeking to Breach Nuke Med Systems

AUBURNDALE, MASS. — December 7, 2017 — UltraSPECT Inc., a leading provider of image reconstruction solutions supporting safer and faster nuclear cardiology and oncology exams, today announced the availability of a new add-on capability that vigorously protects nuclear imaging operations against every manner of breach, from basic malware to advanced persistent threats posed by the most determined hackers and cybercriminals.

First CTE diagnosis in living former NFL player confirmed, but questions remain

The first diagnosis in a living patient of the dementia type that’s been hitting one former NFL player after the next—chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE—has been documented.

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Nuke med helps diagnose early Alzheimer’s from amyloid network topology

Using PET with the radiotracer 18F-florbetapir, researchers in Sweden have found that the topology of amyloid clusters can help tip off clinicians to the presence and progression of Alzheimer’s disease in patients who don’t yet present symptoms.

PET/MRI reveals more than just nerve impingement causing sciatica

Radiology and orthopedics researchers at Stanford have shown the prowess of nuclear imaging for identifying the specific source(s) of pain and reduced mobility in patients with chronic sciatica, a common low-back condition notorious for evading such pinpointing.

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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.