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Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine utilizes diagnostic imaging studies to demonstrate both anatomy and function. A small dose of a radioactive substance is given to a patient either intravenously, by mouth, or by inhalation. Specialized cameras then obtain images based on the distribution of that radiotracer which evaluates organ function and what is occurring within the body at the molecular level. These exams aid in the early diagnosis of tumors and treatment response, infections and a multitude of other diseases throughout the body.
Nuclear Cardiac Imaging
Nuclear cardiac imaging is a tool used to find the cause of new or worsening chest pain and how well recovery is progressing after a heart attack. The test uses radionuclide tracers to assess blood flow to the heart, through either physical exercise or by a medication simulating exercise. Images of the heart are obtained to visualize the size and location of possible heart attacks as well as evaluate the pumping function of the heart.
PET/CT
PET/CT is based on the detection of positrons which are emitted from a radioactive substance and detected by special crystals within a PET scanner. Simultaneous computerized tomography (CT) images are obtained to generate fused images with both anatomic detail and function. Scans are used most often to determine whether a growth is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) and to evaluate the progression of disease and/or effectiveness of clinical therapies. PET is also used to evaluate other specific types of patients, such as those who have memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and seizure disorders that are not responsive to therapy.