Molecular Imaging Headlines

99mTc-WBC scintigraphy with SPECT/CT in the evaluation of arterial graft infection. - OBJECTIVE: The goals of our study were to retrospectively review our experience in using Tc-white blood cell (WBC) single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging in the evaluation of possible arterial graft infection and to attempt to establish objective criteria for assessment. METHODS: Eleven Tc-WBC SPECT/CT studies performed for the evaluation of clinically suspected arterial graft infection were retrospectively reviewed and compared with reference outcomes.

Novel imaging techniques as response biomarkers in cervical cancer. - The use of novel imaging techniques that have the ability to evaluate tumour biology and function shows a great deal of promise in providing early surrogate biomarkers of response to therapy which may allow for individualised or patient-specific regimes. This would have considerable clinical benefit in allowing for a treatment regimen tailored accordingly to meet the expected response, thereby reducing morbidity.

Success of a Safe and Simple Algorithm to Reduce Use of CT Pulmonary Angiography in the Emergency Department. - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine whether the radiation exposure to patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) could be decreased by safely increasing the use of ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scanning and decreasing the use of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) through an educational intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collaborative educational seminars were held among the radiology, nuclear medicine, and emergency medicine departments in December 2006 and January 2007 regarding the radiation dose and accuracies of V/Q scanning and CTPA for diagnosing PE.

Abnormalities in metabolic network activity precede the onset of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. - Imaging studies show that Parkinson's disease (PD) alters the activity of motor- and cognition-related metabolic brain networks. However, it is not known whether the network changes appear at or before symptom onset.

In vivo molecular imaging of myocardial angiogenesis using the alpha(v)beta (3) integrin-targeted tracer (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD. - BACKGROUND: Myocardial angiogenesis following reperfusion of an infarcted area may impact on patient prognosis and pro-angiogenic treatments are currently evaluated. The non-invasive imaging of angiogenesis would therefore be of potential clinical relevance in these settings.

A methodology to evaluate occupational internal exposure to fluorine-18. - The objective of this work is to develop procedures for internal monitoring of (18)F to be applied in cases of possible incorporation of fluoride and (18)FDG, using in vivo and in vitro methods of measurements. The Na I (Tl) 8" x 4" scintillation detector installed at IRD-Whole Body Counter was calibrated for measurements with a whole body anthropomorphic phantom, simulating homogeneous distribution of (18)F in the body.

Optimization of (131)I doses for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. - Several methods can be used to determine the activity of (131)I in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. However, many of them do not consider all the parameters necessary for optimum dose calculation.

A proposed methodology to select radioisotopes for use in radionuclide therapy. - The American Journal of Neuroradiology has played a seminal role in the history of vertebral augmentation (VA). Because VA is increasingly being included in the multidisciplinary management of malignant vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), combined therapeutic approaches that include strategies to treat metastatic disease along with the fracture have become appealing options for patients.

[18F] fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography and MR imaging coregistration for presurgical evaluation of medically refractory epilepsy. - Epilepsy is a chronic disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population of the world. Approximately one third of patients with epilepsy remain refractory to medical therapy.

Bone healing performance of electrophoretically deposited apatite-wollastonite/chitosan coating on titanium implants in rabbit tibiae. - Bone healing of tibial defect in rabbit model was used to evaluate a composite coating of apatite-wollastonite/chitosan on titanium implant. This coating has been developed to overcome the shortcomings, such as implant loosening and lack of adherence, of uncoated titanium implant.