What Is Nuclear Medicine Imaging? Treatments and procedures that utilize trace radioactive isotopes (also known as radiopharmaceuticals) to target specific organs/systems and/or receptors at the cellular level are known as nuclear medicine. In addition to nuclear medicine, imaging is available when a gamma camera captures images as the isotopes degrade in the body. As a result nuclear physicians get a clear picture of not only the anatomy of the organs/systems targeted, but how they are functioning as the compounds break down. What Types of Imaging Are Available? Perhaps the most widely known and utilized imaging technique incorporating radioactive isotope is the PET (Positive Electron Topography) scan. If you’ve seen the new trend towards full body scans, those are PET scans. Other testing methods include the Scintigraphy (provides 2D depictions) and the SPECT image (captures 3D representation). Each variety allows for a different level of analysis based on a practitioner’s needs. How Does Nuclear Imaging Differ From Traditional (X-Ray) Imaging? X-rays provide a flat depiction of the area analyzed. Nuclear imaging allows medical professionals to review not only a multidimensional view of the organ/system studied, but how it is functioning (or not properly functioning) as well. Are There Any Downsides To Nuclear Medicine? Overall there are few side effects for utilizing radio pharmaceuticals as the amounts given are quite small. You are still taking in radioactive elements into your body so a reaction to such foreign material is possible, but highly unlikely. Based on the potential for adverse reactions, doctors are careful in discontinuing most medications, and altering a patient’s diet before utilizing radioactive alternatives within treatment and diagnosis. How is Nuclear Medicine Administered? Radio pharmaceuticals are given to patients through an IV (including a catheter), pill or even inhaled gas. What Conditions Benefit From Nuclear Treatments? • Bone concerns including fractures, infections, tumors and arthritis • Size and scope of cancer spread within any location of the body • Kidney efficiency and overall functionality • Infection sites and severity • Identification of bleeding bowels • Thyroid function (under or over activity) • Neural abnormalities investigation (seizures, memory loss, blood flow/clot, pathways) • Blood flow within the cardiovascular and respitory systems • Inflammation in organs (i.e. gallbladder, appendix) Nuclear medicine and imaging methods provide doctors with a better chance of diagnosing medical conditions sooner than traditional x-rays. Early treatment allows patients the best possible chance for recovery and resolution. Ask you physician if nuclear medicine can help improve your quality of life.
Related Articles -
nuclear, medicine, imaging,
|