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. 

RSS icon

Experts publish updated guidance on nuclear imaging for fevers of unknown origin

Fevers of unknown origin account for around 2% of hospitalizations and can present significant diagnostic challenges for providers.

Positron NeuSight PET-CT 64 slice scanner

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. 

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.

Researchers working to develop portable PET scanner

Researchers receive grant worth millions to develop portable PET scanner

Experts are hopeful that the portable scanner could improve access to neuroimaging used in the diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.

Why is the US still dependent on foreign medical isotope production?

The U.S currently does not have any large-scale commercial production of the isotope Mo-99 used for nuclear imaging. It is critical to more 40,000 nuclear imaging exams each day, representing about 80% of all diagnostic molecular imaging procedures.  

Downed high-flux reactor could restart sooner than anticipated

The announcement will come as welcome news, as nuclear medicine departments in numerous regions have been grappling with shortages of Mo-99 and Tc-99m.

maya kowalski case

Some nuc med departments are already feeling the strain of the isotope shortage

"This can't drag on. Patients needing cancer treatment can’t wait two months for an accurate diagnosis.” 

NorthStar opens CDMO facility to help develop and distribute radioisotopes.

NorthStar opens facility to assist with development and distribution of vital radioisotopes

The facility will provide much needed developmental and manufacturing support for pharmaceutical companies that produce and distribute medical isotopes.

Displaying 1 - 8 of 226

Around the web

Radiology Business
Key Medicare reimbursement and No Surprises Act updates from RSNA 2024

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

Cardiovascular Business
Philips, Mayo Clinic using AI to improve cardiac MRI technology

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.

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.