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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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.

FDA expands indications for neuroimaging radiotracer

An established radiopharmaceutical can now be applied with the FDA’s blessing when symptoms of cognitive decline point to the second most common form of degenerative dementia (after only Alzheimer’s disease).  

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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.  

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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.

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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? 

Barry L. Zaret, MD

Veteran cardiologist, viewed by many as the founder of nuclear cardiology, dies at 82

Barry L. Zaret, MD, was an influential cardiologist, accomplished poet and veteran of the United States Air Force. 

Brain scans reveal single doses of nicotine inhibiting estrogen production in women

On MRI and PET brain scans, women who were exposed to a small dose of nicotine showed altered activity in the thalamus region of the brain.

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CRC patients with these clinical characteristics need more frequent post-op chest imaging

These patients are at greatest risk of developing lung metastases within three months of surgery.

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