Nuclear Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine

Introduction to Nuclear Medicine

• Definition: A specialized area of radiology using small amounts of radioactive substances for research, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Applications: Includes cancer treatment and diagnostics.
• Disciplines Involved: Chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, and medicine.

Imaging in Nuclear Medicine

• Contrast with Standard X-rays: Standard X-rays focus on anatomy, while nuclear imaging looks at function.
• Radionuclides Used: Technetium, thallium, gallium, iodine, and xenon.
• Detection: Uses gamma cameras to detect radiation emitted by radionuclides.
• Image Types:
  • 2D Planar Imaging: Gamma camera remains stationary.
  • 3D Imaging (SPECT): Gamma camera moves to create detailed images.

Common Nuclear Scans

• Renal Scans: Examine kidney function and blood flow.
• Thyroid Scans: Assess thyroid activity and nodules.
• Bone Scans: Detect arthritis, bone diseases, tumors.
• Gallium Scans: Identify infections, inflammation, tumors.
• Heart Scans: Evaluate blood flow and damage post-heart attack.
• Brain Scans: Investigate brain issues and blood flow.
• Breast Scans: Complement mammograms for cancer detection.

Treatment Applications

• Conditions Treated: Hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, lymphomas, bone pain from cancer.

Procedure for Nuclear Medicine Scans

• Phases:
  1. Tracer Administration: Injection of radionuclide.
  2. Image Acquisition: Capture images over various time frames.
  3. Image Interpretation: Detailed analysis for diagnosis.
• Example Procedure: Resting Radionuclide Angiogram (RNA) includes blood tagging and scanning with gamma camera.

Practical Considerations

• Procedure Duration: Varies by test and body part; might require multiple visits.
• Patient Preparation: Removal of interfering objects, use of IV, ECG monitoring.

Finding Specialists and Treatment Centers

• Specialties:
  • Nuclear Radiology
  • Nuclear Medicine
• Johns Hopkins Facilities:
  • Howard County Medical Center
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital
  • Suburban Hospital

Related Topics

• Radionuclide Angiogram
• Breast Scans
• Gallium Scans

Additional Resources

• Language assistance and privacy settings available for diverse patient backgrounds.
• Connection to Johns Hopkins' online health resources for further information.