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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Philips highlights the value of advanced molecular imaging at SNMMI 2017

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Denver, Colo.—Royal Philips (NSYE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced that it will be showcasing molecular imaging solutions highlighting Philips’ commitment to innovation and more personalized care at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) 2017 Annual Meeting.

Siemens Healthineers Debuts Symbia Intevo Bold SPECT/CT

At the 2017 annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), June 10-14 at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center, Siemens Healthineers debuts Symbia Intevo Bold¹, a system that combines the company’s proven single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technologies with new, high-performance CT capabilities to enable a wide range of clinical applications.

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PET/CT a sharp-eyed ally against comeback thyroid cancer

Postsurgical medullary thyroid cancer patients who have elevated calcitonin levels, which can indicate that the cancer has returned, are well served with follow-up PET/CT using the radiotracer 18F-DOPA (fluorine-18-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine), according to a small study published online May 30 in Nuclear Medicine Communications.

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SPECT study shows ‘fish oil’ fatty acids benefiting the brain

A study running in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease bears out a correlation between higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream with both better neurocognitive function and increased perfusion in regions of the brain that handle learning, memory, depression and dementia.

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Neuroimaging data used to construct viable aging biomarker

U.K. and Aussie researchers have introduced a clinically relevant neuroimaging biomarker of aging-related brain deterioration and, in the process, shown how brain age predicts mortality.  

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3-modality fusion imaging may illuminate surgical guidance

Researchers at Pohang University in South Korea have demonstrated a three-modality method of fusion imaging that uses a photoacoustic component to deliver high-resolution visualization, suggesting the potential to supply comprehensive image guidance in real time during various surgeries.

Better nuclear MR through chemistry

University of Texas researchers have come up with a new chemical sensor that may lead to more cost-effective use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in both clinical and research settings. 

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Duke researchers link cerebellum to multiple forms of mental illness

Duke University researchers, who ran personal interviews and brain scans for a study, have become the first to link specific differences in brain structure to what is common across many types of mental illness.  

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Around the web

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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.