Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging (also called nuclear medicine or nuclear imaging) can image the function of cells inside the body at the molecular level. This includes the imaging modalities of positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. How does PET and SPECT imaging work? Small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into a patient. 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.

New radiotracer has 'incredible potential' to improve management of spinal cord injuries
Experts hope the information gained from their research could help providers better determine whether patients will regain mobility after sustaining an injury.
Frontotemporal dementia often misdiagnosed due to misinterpretations of imaging
The reasons for misdiagnoses are wide-ranging, but interpretations of patients’ brain imaging may play a prominent role.
Endometriosis imaging agent impresses at clinical trials
Diagnosing endometriosis often requires laparoscopy, as ultrasound and MRI frequently fail to detect the painful, sometimes debilitating condition, especially in its early stages.
Experts say one radiotracer outperforms all others when it comes to detecting prostate cancer
There are numerous radiotracers specifically designed to identify prostate cancer, but experts say one may be superior to the others at both the patient and lesion level.
Radiotracers on FDA’s fast track exceed performance of already approved tau-detecting agent
If approved, the two agents could offer providers greater insight into the process of patients’ neurodegeneration.

New radiotracer has 'incredible potential' to improve management of spinal cord injuries

Experts hope the information gained from their research could help providers better determine whether patients will regain mobility after sustaining an injury.

alzheimer's disease dementia brain imaging

Frontotemporal dementia often misdiagnosed due to misinterpretations of imaging

The reasons for misdiagnoses are wide-ranging, but interpretations of patients’ brain imaging may play a prominent role.

Endometriosis imaging agent impresses at clinical trials

Diagnosing endometriosis often requires laparoscopy, as ultrasound and MRI frequently fail to detect the painful, sometimes debilitating condition, especially in its early stages.

Experts say one radiotracer outperforms all others when it comes to detecting prostate cancer

There are numerous radiotracers specifically designed to identify prostate cancer, but experts say one may be superior to the others at both the patient and lesion level.

New radiotracers outperform FDA-approved agent for detection of tau tangles.

Radiotracers on FDA’s fast track exceed performance of already approved tau-detecting agent

If approved, the two agents could offer providers greater insight into the process of patients’ neurodegeneration.

PET scans unlock clues that could help prevent epilepsy induced by head injuries

Post-traumatic epilepsy can be disabling, causing recurrent seizures that are unresponsive to preventive medications in up to 30% of patients.

Dementia cases are about to skyrocket—how will this affect imaging demand?

Recent projections could create an environment of unprecedented demand for nuclear imaging.

Experts update AUC for amyloid, tau PET imaging for first time in more than a decade

The new appropriate use criteria define 17 specific clinical scenarios, guiding providers on situations when amyloid or tau imaging are and are not appropriate.