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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Cutting SPECT MPI scan time in half

A novel reconstruction method of cardiac SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) could potentially reduce scan times by 50 percent and cut 75 percent of the time it takes to reconstruct images, according to research announced by the University of Eastern Finland yesterday.

Quantifying absolute MBF in dynamic SPECT

It is accepted within the cardiology community that measurements pertaining to absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) provide additional information about a patient’s heart condition than general perfusion. Researchers are still perfecting a standard procedure for obtaining these measurements, but they seem to be getting close in the case of dynamic SPECT, according to a study published Sept. 4 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

BC Technical acquires Polaris Medical Imaging

BC Technical, a provider of used and refurbished radiological and molecular imaging equipment, has announced the West Jordan-based company’s acquisition of Polaris Medical Imaging, seller, servicer and installer of specifically GE MRI and CT scanners. BC also provides SPECT/CT, PET, PET/CT and other nuclear medicine systems.

Nuclear medicine market could climb to $8.05B by 2020

The worldwide market for nuclear medicine was estimated at around $5.5 billion in 2013, but by 2020 that figure is expected to grow to $8.05 billion at an annual compound growth rate of 5.6 percent, according to a report by IQ41 Research And Consultancy.

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CMS: Slow growth in U.S. health spending

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided projected U.S. healthcare spending for the next several years and it is modest. Due to a timid economy and higher private insurance plan costs that pinch demand for healthcare services, average annual healthcare spending is expected to grow by 5.7 percent this year and just about 6 percent from 2013 to 2023.

Shine amasses $2.4M in financing while preparing for isotope facility

Monona, Wis., company Shine Medical Technologies has closed on $2.4 million in financing from a range of sources as the makers of medical isotope production technology wait for a construction permit to move forward on a new U.S. facility, Shine announced Wednesday.

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Hyperpolarized MR peers into prostate cancer

The use of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization has led scientists to a technique called hyperpolarization, which allows them to see real-time metabolic activity and vastly improves MR signal of nuclei, according to a review published Aug. 28 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Agendia announces study showing molecular subtyping can improve breast cancer treatment

In findings that may eventually change the way breast cancer is evaluated and treated, a new study reports that the BluePrint genomic test provides more accurate information about the molecular subtype of a specific breast cancer, compared to the use of conventional IHC-FISH pathology tests.

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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.