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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An example of a positive amyloid plaque PET nuclear brain scan. these tests can help identify Alzheimer's patients earlier so they can be prescribed drugs to treat the condition.

Cognitive decline not far behind amyloid and tau PET-positive scans, even for the asymptomatic

Common markers of Alzheimer's disease visualized on PET scans of asymptomatic patients might foreshadow the onset of symptoms in the years following their initial discovery.

December 7, 2022
3d-printing.jpg

How a newly secured 3D printing patent could stabilize radioisotope production

Recently, a patent for 3D printed uranium targets was secured by the National Center for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) in Swierk, Poland, and it could increase the production of Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) globally. 

December 6, 2022
stomach ache

FDG PET/CT spots COVID-induced pancreatitis

There are limited data to determine whether pancreatitis in COVID patients is the result of a stress response triggered by severe illness or by direct damage to the β-cell structure and function.

November 22, 2022

Researcher in hot water after manipulating PET imaging data for grant application

The researcher was seeking funding to further her study on the development of psychosis based on findings visualized on PET imaging.

November 16, 2022
NorthStar radiopharmaceutical development facility.

NorthStar breaks ground on new facility, will offer radiopharmaceutical development services to other companies

The 36,000 square foot unit will be located in Beloit, Wis., alongside NorthStar’s production facilities. It is expected to be open for business starting in 2024.

November 15, 2022

Dynamic chest radiography a suitable, low-cost alternative to V/Q scanning for pulmonary hypertension

Dynamic chest radiography was recently shown to be comparable to lung ventilation-perfusion scanning for detecting chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.  

November 9, 2022

Isotope shortage update: NMEU names potential restart date for downed reactor

On November 4, Nuclear Medicine Europe indicated inspections at the downed BR2 reactor had been finalized.

November 7, 2022
Radioactive

Another isotope shortage looms as mechanical failure delays production

A new report suggests there may soon be a shortage of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)/technetium-99m (Tc-99m). What does that mean for patient care in the months ahead? 

November 1, 2022
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AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business
AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

Radiology Business
Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

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