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.

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 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.

Prominent imaging society advocates for 5 changes following CMS amyloid PET payment decision

SNMMI is fighting for expanded coverage for amyloid PET, including broadening accepted sites of service, among other changes.

February 23, 2022

New advanced PET imaging reveals root of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's

The scans unearthed a significant association between synaptic density and decreased cognitive performance, Yale researchers revealed recently.

February 17, 2022

Isotope shortage update: Target restart date for downed reactor has been set

The supply of Mo-99 and Lu-177 is expected to normalize in the coming weeks, according to the most recent announcement from the Nuclear Medicine Europe Emergency Response Team.

February 16, 2022

Is PET/CT or multiparametric MRI best for detecting prostate cancer? New research offers guidance

A comparison of the detection rates for 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI in low, intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer was recently shared by experts in EJNMMI.

February 14, 2022

F-18 FDG PET/CT highly sensitive for diagnosing cause of fevers with unknown origin

Such scans determined the final diagnosis in 54% of patients and were more accurate than CRP and WBC levels for identifying fever origin, according to research published in Scientific Reports.

February 10, 2022

University's research reactor increases medical isotope production in wake of supply disruption

“Our dedicated staff are committed to getting lifesaving treatments delivered to the patients who need them,” MURR's executive director said in a statement on Feb. 9.

February 9, 2022

Isotope update: Target date for resuming production of Mo-99 still unclear

Production of Lu-177 is expected to resume on Saturday, Feb. 12, but the Mo-99 supply shortage could continue for weeks.

February 8, 2022

Medical isotope update: Shortage expected to last weeks as nuclear reactor remains sidelined

Mo-99, Lu-177, and I-131 supply issues are forecasted until approximately one week after the downed reactor resumes operations on Feb. 12, the Nuclear Medicine Europe Emergency Response Team said.

February 3, 2022

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.