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 imaging AI 'epilepsy detective' could help cure treatment-resistant seizures

The tool can identify small focal cortical dysplasia on imaging that is typically missed by radiologists, bottom-of-sulcus dysplasia in particular.

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CMS grants pass-through payment status for new prostate imaging agent Gozellix

This enables separate reimbursement for the radionuclide diagnostic agent under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System, manufacturer Telix says. 

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) President-elect Jamieson M. Bourque, MD, MHS, FASNC, medical director of nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and the stress laboratory at UVA Health in Charlottesville, and a professor of medicine and radiology at the University of Virginia, explains key trends and his plans to advance nuclear cardiology in 2026. #ASNC

Incoming ASNC president making AI's integration into nuclear cardiology a top priority

Jamieson M. Bourque, MD, MHS, previewed his plans for the future in a new interview with Cardiovascular Business. 

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Key pitfalls to avoid when using PET imaging for patients with coronary artery disease

To aid in the PET imaging of patients with heart disease, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has developed new guidelines. 

Imagers reviewing flurpiridaz F-18 (Flyrcado) myocardial perfusion PET images. Image from GE Healthcare

Nuclear imaging groups share new flurpiridaz guideline

Several groups collaborated on the document, which is designed to help clinicians provide high-quality, consistent care when using flurpiridaz during cardiac PET imaging exams. 

COVID-induced neuroinflammation can last 2 years or longer, according to new PET data

These findings are important to consider with regard to patients’ long-term health, as chronic inflammation has been implicated in cognitive decline. 

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Researchers' testing of industrial dyes could lead to the development of dementia-specific imaging agents

There are dozens of different subtypes of dementia, and it can be a challenge to determine the exact type affecting a patient. 

Video interview with Wael Jaber, MD, chair of the 2025 American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) annual meeting, director of nuclear cardiology and a professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic, shares some of the key highlights from the conference.

Key trends in nuclear cardiology take center stage at ASNC 2025

Wael Jaber, MD, chair of the 2025 American Society of Nuclear Cardiology annual meeting, shared some key takeaways from the conference. “This is no longer just about imaging for coronary disease," he explained. "Nuclear cardiology now helps guide therapy across a wide range of conditions."

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