Nuclear Imaging and PET/CT
Nuclear imaging is a powerful medical imaging technique that utilizes radioactive tracers to visualize the function and activity of organs and tissues within the body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, which primarily show the anatomy of the body, nuclear imaging provides valuable insights into the physiological processes occurring within, offering a unique perspective on human development health.
Nuclear imaging and its various techniques have diverse applications in various medical fields, including:
Neurological Disorders:
PET scans: Used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy by highlighting abnormalities in brain function.
DaTSCAN (SPECT): Used to diagnose Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy bodies, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
Infections and Inflammation:
Nuclear imaging: Used to detect and monitor infections and inflammation throughout the body, directing targeted treatment approaches.
Other Applications:
Bone: Assessing bone metabolism, locating infection, or identifying neoplasia. Disease.
Kidney: Evaluating kidney function and detecting abnormalities.
Thyroid: Assessing thyroid activity and distinguishing high risk vs low risk nodules.
A PET/CT scan combines the strengths of two powerful imaging techniques: positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). This unique combination allows doctors to see both the structure and function of the body at the same time, providing a comprehensive picture of your health.
A small amount of radioactive tracer, attached to a physiologically active molecule, is injected into your vein. This tracer is absorbed by active cells in your body. The detector picks up radiation emitted by the tracer, creating a picture of the metabolic activity in your body. Areas with high radiotracer activity, such as tumors or infections, appear brighter on the PET scan.
The PET and CT scans are combined to create a single image. This allows doctors to see both the function and structure of the body at the same time.
PET/CT can help doctors diagnose or rule out cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and other conditions more accurately than either PET or CT alone.
PET/CT can also help doctors monitor how well treatment is working by showing them if tumors or other abnormalities are shrinking.
What to expect during a PET/CT scan:
You may be asked to fast for a few hours before your scan.
You will be injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer.
You will lie down on a table that slides into the PET/CT scanner.
The scan will take about 30-60 minutes to complete.
Overall, PET/CT is a safe and effective imaging tool that can help doctors diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. If you have any questions about PET/CT scans, please talk to your doctor.