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.

Rural patients less likely to undergo PET imaging for prostate cancer
Experts suggest possible remedies to this disparity, including mobile PET units or establishing hub-and-spoke care models.
Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases
Although most radiology organizations agree that [18F]FDG PET/CT can provide valuable information in these patients post-treatment, their recommendations differ on its use.
Mayo Clinic develops AI capable of substantially improving dementia diagnoses
With the software's help, readers are up to three times more accurate and interpretations are nearly twice as fast.
FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent
The product's updated indications include quantification and long-term monitoring of amyloid plaques on imaging.
'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer
The agent “exhibits powerful tumor delineation” in challenging cases of determining cancer subtypes, and could potentially lead to more personalized, effective treatment strategies.

Nuclear medicine records the lowest gender pay gap among physician specialties

Doximity's new 2023 Physician Compensation Report offers detailed insight into the impact of continued efforts to narrow the gender pay gap in medicine.

Advanced imaging does not always improve outcomes, data suggest

Although advanced imaging exams have proven benefits in defining disease severity, new data indicate that more sophisticated studies might not impact outcomes as much as previously thought.

Imaging advocacy group warns of supply shortage that’s having ‘profound negative impact’ on patient care

Radiologists took to Twitter to voice their frustrations over the worsening situation, while the manufacturer issued an update Thursday.

Bipartisan bill aims to boost Medicare patients’ access to diagnostic imaging agents

The Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023 would eliminate barriers to nuclear medicine, supporters charged.

‘Tremendous setback’: Imaging advocate blasts CMS decision on Alzheimer’s care

The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance challenged Medicare's limited coverage for beta-amyloid PET, used to help identify those at risk.

New practice guidelines for PET imaging of neuroendocrine tumors

Issued by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), the new guidelines are intended to inform any practitioners involved in ordering, performing, reading and reporting SSTR PET imaging.

GE HealthCare recalling nuclear imaging systems as FDA warns of dangerous consequences

The FDA alerted patients and providers about the issue Feb. 15, labeling it as the agency’s “most serious” type of recall.

Amyloid plaque patterns on PET imaging predict Alzheimer's progression in asymptomatic patients

Experts involved in the new research suggest that identifying these spatiotemporal variations could play an important role in clinical research and precision medicine.

Nuclear Medicine

Rural patients less likely to undergo PET imaging for prostate cancer

Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases

Mayo Clinic develops AI capable of substantially improving dementia diagnoses

FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent

'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer