Services Overview

Nuclear Medicine

PET-CT

PET-MR

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What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine is a clinical specialty, with the application of radiopharmaceuticals in form of “unsealed radioactive source”, for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Nuclear Medicine imaging by gamma camera is unique in documenting functional and molecular abnormalities in diseases, even before anatomical or structural changes occur. It involves the administration of radiopharmaceutical which accumulates in the target organ or area of body being examined. Modern gamma camera incorporates a CT component for better lesion localization and is called a SPECT-CT scanner.

Apart from diagnostic imaging, administration of different radiopharmaceuticals can be used for treatment of diseases. Radioactive iodine (I-131) ablation is frequently performed for thyrotoxicosis and thyroid cancer.

Common Indications of Nuclear Medicine Study 

• Cardiovascular System
  • Evaluate symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath
  • Detect coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Evaluate the extent and severity of CAD before revascularization, access the treatment response of revascularization
  • Pre-operative assessment for major surgery
• Musculoskeletal System
  • Detection of early tumor invasion
  • Evaluate for fractures, infection, and arthritis
• Nephrology & Urology System
  • Renal filtration and drainage function
• Endocrine System
  • Measure thyroid function to evaluate hyperthyroidism and provide radioactive Iodine (I-131) therapy
  • Localize disease and function of parathyroid glands
  • Detect adrenal gland diseases

Preparations and Precautions 

Different procedures require different preparations and precautions. The patient will be given an appointment sheet explaining the details of preparation for individual procedure. Imaging or treatment schedules are also diverse. They may last for a couple of minutes to a few hours. Some procedures may require separate sessions over a few days. Side effects of radiopharmaceuticals are very rare. The radiation dose to patient is often comparable to other imaging modalities.

What is PET-CT?

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography) is also a dual-modality imaging study combining metabolic and anatomical information. The PET scan demonstrates regional metabolic information which is usually altered in disease process, while the CT scan reveals the structure and location of lesion within the body. The combination of PET-CT images enables accurate diagnosis and localization of disease. PET-CT scan is a non-invasive procedure and generally patients do not suffer any imaging related discomfort.

What is PET-MR?

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is an imaging modality utilizing radiotracers to quantify the molecular information of tissues and organs within the body.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a scan that uses magnetic field and radio-waves to produce detailed morphological and functional information of the organs, tissues and structures within the body.

Advantages of Combined PET-MR

• Patients are exposed to much less radiation. There is no ionizing radiation exposure with MRI.
• Simultaneous dual modalities imaging, more accurate lesions localization.
• It provides excellent soft tissue contrast and quantified metabolic information, therefore better tumor delineation and characterization.
• It improves the patient experience. Only one appointment is needed for the two modalities.

Common Indications of PET-MR Study

PET-MR is particularly useful for the oncological conditions associated with soft tissues such as:

Procedure

The most commonly used radiotracer in PET scan is F18-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG). After the radiotracer is administrated intravenously, patient has to rest in a quiet room for approximately one hour during the radiotracer uptake process. PET-MR radiographer will confirm that patient is free of metal both inside and outside his/her body before entering the PET-MR scan room. Patient will be asked to lie on the scanning table and comfortably positioned with surface coils. These coils ensure the clearest possible images. The scan normally will be completed within an hour. Occasionally, a delayed scan may be needed.

Preparations and Precautions

Different procedures require different preparations and precautions. The patient will be given an appointment sheet explaining the details of preparation for individual procedure. Side effects of radiopharmaceuticals are very rare. The radiation dose to patient is often comparable to other imaging modalities.

CYCLOTRON

The Cyclotron & Molecular Imaging Tracers Centre, which complied with the international pharmaceutical manufacturing standard, was officially launched in 2017. The centre consists of medical cyclotron, sophisticated radiopharmaceutical synthesizer, radiopharmaceutical quality control laboratory, professional biochemical technology and other accessory facilities.

With the commencement of our Cyclotron & Molecular Imaging Tracers Centre, the traditional radiotracer F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) currently widely used for PET imaging and various novel radiotracers can be produced.  The availability of various novel radiotracers from cyclotron will enhance a more comprehensive PET imaging service in oncology and mark a new page of PET imaging in neurology. New services can provide more accurate diagnosis and treatment for the benefits of oncology and neurology patients.