Medical Imaging: Molecular Imaging and Theranostics (Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT) - Services

Molecular Imaging and Theranostics at St. Joseph’s uses imaging equipment such as a gamma camera, PET/CT and SPECT/CT to provide services including:

  • Cardiac imaging to assess function and risk 
  • Endocrine imaging and treatment
  • Gastrointestinal imaging, including movement through the gastrointestinal tract, ability to absorb nutrients, blood, the biliary potency and bacterial overgrowth
  • Genital and urinary organs imaging and functional assessment with and without medications
  • Musculoskeletal imaging including high-resolution joint imaging, and treatments
  • Infection imaging
  • Whole body (in-vivo) non-imaging procedures
  • Scintimammography to help investigate a breast abnormality

PET/CT

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging method that uses a small amount of radioactive material, called a radiotracer or radiopharmaceutical, along with a special camera and computer. During a PET scan, the radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. The radiotracer moves through the body and emits tiny, positively charged particles called positrons that produce signals. A special camera records the tracer's signals as it travels through your body and collects in your organs. These signals are converted into three-dimensional images of the examined organ and provide a clear view of any abnormality.

A computed tomography (CT) scan takes x-ray images of the body from different angles and uses computer processing to create highly detailed, cross-sectional images (slices) of the body’s structures. It is used to see things that regular X-rays can’t show.

A PET/CT scanner allows both types of scans to be performed at the same time and information from these two different types of scans to be viewed on a single set of images. Together, PET/CT provides intricate views with fine details about both the body’s various structures and their functions. It is often used to detect or evaluate tumors, evaluate heart function and blood flow, and examine brain function. It can also be used to check how well a patient is responding to treatment.

Why is it done?

A PET/CT scan is done to:

  • study blood flow and metabolic activity in the brain, which can help identify certain neurologic and central nervous system disorders, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, transient ischemic attack (TIA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, epilepsy, stroke, or schizophrenia
  • diagnose certain types of cancer, particularly of the breast, brain, lung, colon, thyroid, and lymphoma. A PET/CT scan is more sensitive than a CT scan alone or MRI for detecting tumors in early stages. It can also help determine if a tumor is non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). If cancer has been diagnosed, a PET/CT scan can help determine how advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread to another area of the body (metastasized). 
  • help determine the most effective treatment for cancer
  • detect poor blood flow to the heart, which may indicate coronary artery disease.
  • distinguish between healthy and damaged heart tissue, especially during the early stages of a heart attack.
  • help determine the best course of treatment for heart disease