Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. 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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AURORA trial results for Flurpiridaz F-18 PET vs. SPECT discussed by principal investigator Jamshid Maddahi, MD.

'This could be a paradigm shift': How PET with newly approved flurpiridaz compares to SPECT

GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz, the PET radiotracer that recently received FDA approval, offers several key benefits over SPECT. Jamshid Maddahi, MD, discussed the details in an exclusive interview. 

The new cardiac PET radiotracer flurpiridaz F-18 is posed to be a major game changer and will likely lead to increased adoption of cardiac PET.

FDA approves GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz F-18 PET radiotracer for CAD

The newly approved radiotracer is seen as a major step forward for nuclear imaging technology. Specialists have been looking forward to its arrival on the market for quite some time.

Erin R. Stevens, CNMT, NCT, director of nuclear medicine at Oregon Heart Center, said training physicians for what is needed in cardiac PET documentation is key for preventing issues with prior authorizations. ASNC photo

Good documentation is the key to cardiac PET prior authorizations

Knowing what, exactly, is needed in cardiac PET documentation is one of the best ways to limit prior authorization issues.

PHOTO GALLERY: ASNC2024, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology's annual meeting

The three-day event attracted nuclear cardiology specialists from all over the world.

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Novel radiotracer could improve the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease

Researchers are hopeful that uptake of the molecular SPECT imaging agent will help providers more ably monitor disease progression.

Numerous advances in cardiac nuclear imaging led American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) President-elect Panithaya Chareonthaitawee, MD, to predict "We are on the edge of a new journey in nuclear cardiology, and the opportunities before us are just as vast as they are exciting and promising."

ASNC president-elect predicts unprecedented innovation in nuclear cardiology

"We are on the edge of a new journey in nuclear cardiology," explained ASNC President-elect Panithaya Chareonthaitawee, MD.

 

New PET technique improves imaging of pediatric neuroblastoma.

New PET technique slashes scan times, improves image quality in neuroblastoma cases

The method also reduces radiation doses and eliminates the need for sedation or general anesthesia.

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'Game changer' prostate imaging agent granted FDA's Fast Track designation

The PET agent was developed for men with PSMA-positive lesions who have suspected metastasis and are candidates for initial definitive therapy.

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Cardiovascular Business
'This could be a paradigm shift': How PET with newly approved flurpiridaz compares to SPECT

GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz, the PET radiotracer that recently received FDA approval, offers several key benefits over SPECT. Jamshid Maddahi, MD, discussed the details in an exclusive interview. 

Cardiovascular Business
Ultrafast myocardial contract echocardiography shows early potential to evaluate CAD

Ultrafast MCE could go on to become a go-to treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, according to the authors of a new first-in-human clinical study.

Cardiovascular Business
FDA clears new software for AI-powered CCTA assessments

Elucid's PlaqueIQ was trained to turn CCTA images into interactive 3D reports that help physicians visualize the presence of atherosclerosis.

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