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Nuclear Medicine

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Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a specialized field of Diagnostic Radiology that uses a small amount of tracer, or radionuclide, to identify and evaluate the extent of abnormalities within the body as well as treat a variety of diseases. After the administration of the radionuclide, images are taken by specialized cameras based on the study type. Naperville Radiologists have experienced Board-Certified Radiologists who have decades of interpreting Nuclear Medicine Studies. Please see below for more information about the individual types of studies.

Procedures

Axumin PET/CT for Prostate

Axumin PET/CT is a non-invasive imaging examination to evaluate for recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer often utilized after surgery or radiation.  Axumin is a special radiotracer that can detect recurrent disease even with low levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA).  Axumin is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under specialized cameras to obtain the images. CT images are also obtained to better localize any abnormal uptake of Axumin. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting Axium PET. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for an Axumin PET/CT and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Bone Scan

A Bone scan is a non-invasive imaging examination which can evaluate issues with the bones. A bone scan can be ordered to evaluate for metastatic disease, fractures, infection or pain without know etiology. A small radiotracer is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under specialized cameras to obtain single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) images which can localize any abnormal uptake.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting bone scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a bone scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Brain PET CT for Evaluation of Dementia

Brain PET/CT is a non-invasive imaging examination to evaluate for Alzheimer’s disease from other types of dementia.  A small amount of radiotracer is injected intravenously which then attaches to amyloid, which is a toxic protein that Alzheimer’s patients accumulate.  After the injection, the patient is then scanned under specialized cameras to obtain the images including single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) images which allow better visualization and localization of the radiotracer.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting Brain PET CT.  If you and your physician think you are a candidate for this examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Cisternogram

Cisternogram is an imaging examination which is used to evaluate the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of the ventricles of the brain and spinal canal.  This examination can be utilized to evaluate for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), CSF leaks/blockages, or evaluation of shunt tubing. Prior to imaging, a lumbar puncture is performed (please see Neuroradiology procedures for further information regarding this procedure) and a radiotracer is injected through the needle. After injection, the patient is then scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images for interpretation by the Radiologist. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting cisternograms. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a cisternogram and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


DAT Scans

A DAT scan is a non-invasive imaging examination which is utilized to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.  A small radiotracer is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under specialized cameras to obtain single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) images which can localize any abnormal uptake. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting DAT Scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a DAT Scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Gallium Scans

A Gallium scan is a non-invasive imaging examination which is utilized to identify infection, inflammation, or cancer. A small radiotracer is injected intravenously which accumulates in bones and various organs. The patient is then scanned under specialized cameras to obtain single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) images which can localize any abnormal uptake. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting Gallium scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for the examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Gastric Emptying Exam

A Gastric Emptying Examination is a non-invasive imaging examination which is utilized to measure the speed at which ingested material leaves the stomach into the small bowel. The test can be ordered for people that have abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, early satiety, or gastroparesis. The patient will ingest a meal with solid and liquid components that has a radiotracer mixed in. After ingestion of the meal, the patient is then scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images for interpretation by the Radiologist. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting gastric emptying exams.  If you and your physician think you are a candidate for this examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Hepatobiliary Scan (HIDA Scan)

A hepatobiliary scan, also known as a HIDA scan, is a non-invasive imaging examination to exam the gallbladder, liver and bile ducts. The examination can be used to evaluate for gallbladder dysfunction, acute cholecystitis, bile duct injury with bile leak, or even liver uptake. A small radiotracer is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under specialized cameras to obtain images. Based on the reason for the examination and the initial results, additional medication such as CCK or morphine can be injected to provide additional information. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting hepatobiliary scans.  If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a hepatobiliary scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


I-123 MIBG Scan

An MIBG scan is a non-invasive imaging examination to identify the presence and location of different neuroendocrine tumors such as neuroblastoma, paraganglioma, or pheochromocytoma. A small radiotracer is injected intravenously and then scanned under specialized cameras to obtain single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) images which can localize any abnormal uptake. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting MIBG studies.  If you and your physician think you are a candidate for this examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


I-131 Therapy

I-131 therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism. A small amount of radioactive iodine or I-131, is injected intravenously and collects within cells of the thyroid which causes damage, including cancer thyroid cells that uptake iodine. Other areas of your body that do not uptake iodine will remain unaffected. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a I-131 Therapy and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200. Prior to the treatment, a consult will be scheduled with a Radiologist to further discuss the treatment and safety precautions that need to be taken after the procedure.


Lymphoscintigraphy

Lymphoscintigraphy is a non-invasive imaging examination which provides imaging of the lymphatic system.  This examination is typically to identify lymphatic drainage of tumors and find the sentinel node (first lymph node to receive drainage from the tumor) but it can also be used to assess for any blockage in the lymphatic system which can cause edema in an extremity. A small amount of radiotracer is injected surrounding through tumor and then the patient is scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting lymphoscintigraphy. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a lymphoscintigraphy and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Meckel’s Scan

Meckel’s scan is a non-invasive imaging examination which helps identify a Meckel’s diverticulum, a small outpouching of small bowel which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, pain, or obstruction. A small amount of radiotracer is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting Meckel’s scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Meckel’s scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


NETSPOT (Gallium-68 dotatate) for Neuroendocrine Cancer

NETSPOT examination is a specialized version of the PET scan dedicated to identify neuroendocrine tumors more accurately. A small amount of radiotracer, gallium-68 dotatate, is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images. At the same time, CT images of the body will be obtained to be able to better localize any abnormal uptake. Gallium-68 dotatate is different than radiolabeled glucose used for normal PET scans because it mimics a hormone that binds to the neuroendocrine tumor. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting NETSPOT imaging. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a NETSPOT scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Parathyroid Scan

Description Coming Soon. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting parathyroid scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Parathyroid scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


PET CT

PET CT is a non-invasive imaging modality that is used to detect tumors, metastases, or inflammation. A small amount of radiotracer, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) – molecule similar to glucose, is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images. At the same time, CT images of the body will be obtained to be able to better localize any abnormal uptake.  Cancer cells are more active metabolically and absorb glucose at a higher rate than adjacent tissues. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting PET CT. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a PET CT and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Renal Scans

A Nuclear Medicine Renal scan is a non-invasive imaging modality that is used to evaluate the function of the kidney. It can also evaluate if the amount of blood flow to the kidney is normal or whether kidney is obstructed. A small amount of radiotracer is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting renal scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Renal Scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Tagged RBC (GI Bleed) Scans

A Tagged RBC scan is a non-invasive imaging modality in order to identify active bleeding within the GI system. A small of amount of radiotracer is used to “tag” red blood cells and then injected intravenously. A specialized camera is utilized to image the patient and identify how the cells move through the body. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting tagged RBC scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a GI Bleed Examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Thyroid Uptake Scans

A Thyroid uptake scan is a non-invasive imaging modality utilized to evaluate the function of the thyroid (hyperthyroid vs. hypothyroid) as well as evaluate nodules.  This examination may require multiple visits with the ingestion of a iodine capsule with a radionuclide. On subsequent visits, the thyroid will be imaged utilizing a specialized camera and the amount of radionuclide uptake within the thyroid will also be measured. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting thyroid scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Thyroid Scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.


Ventilation-Perfusion (VQ) Scan

Ventilation-Perfusion (VQ) Scan is a non-invasive imaging modality to evaluate the lungs and blood flow to the lungs.  This is commonly performed to evaluate for blood clots in the arteries to the lung but can also be utilized to evaluate the lungs for such things as emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  The ventilation and perfusion portions of the examination are performed separately.  For the ventilation portion, a radionuclide is inhaled and utilizing a special camera, images of the lungs are obtained. For the perfusion portion of the examination, a radionuclide is injected intravenously and images are obtained utilizing the detector. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting Ventilation-Perfusion Scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a VQ scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.