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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Humana

Imaging experts slam Humana for ‘ill-informed and wrong’ decision to deny coverage for PET/CT exams

The pair said that without hearing a solid argument, they will be "relentless" in opposing the insurance giant's coverage determination. 

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Top nuclear imaging group ‘strongly disagrees’ with Humana’s decision to refuse coverage for PET/CT

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging said the move denies patients access to potentially lifesaving technologies.

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Incident at nuclear medicine facility leads to Mo-99 shortage

The quality issue could force more than 12,000 patients into canceled exams.

Attralus completes financing to validate pan-amyloid nuclear imaging agent

Biopharmaceutical firm Attralus has completed a $25 million Series A financing designed to further validate its AT-01 pan-amyloid radiotracer for PET/CT.

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New radiation-dose estimation process moves nuclear medicine closer to customized cancer therapy

Researchers used a single SPECT/CT scan performed post-therapy to estimate how much radiation a patient’s tumor and at-risk organs will absorb.

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Top imaging groups warn delayed screenings could cause ‘second healthcare crisis’

The ACR—along with seven other radiology organizations—said thousands could die due to delayed diagnoses caused by the pandemic and urged governors to take action.

SNMMI taps new nuclear medicine experts to lead its technologist section

The society announced a new president and president-elect to lead its member technologists during its virtual meeting.

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SNMMI 2020: Imaging highlights connection between heart and kidneys in heart attack response

Researchers monitored how the heart and kidneys responded one day, three days, seven days and six weeks following an induced myocardial infarction. 

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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.