Nuclear medicine
is a subspecialty within
the field of
radiology. It comprises diagnostic
examinations based on
images of organ structure and function
rather than
examinations based on anatomy that
is used elsewhere in
radiology. The images are derived
from the detection of
energy emitted from a radioactive
substance given to the
patient, either intravenously or
by mouth. Generally, radiation
to the patient is comparable to that
received during a
standard x-ray examination.
Nuclear medicine images
can assist the physician
in
diagnosing a variety of diseases.
Tumors, infection and other
disorders can be detected by evaluating
organ function.
Specifically, nuclear medicine can
be used to:
- Analyze kidney function
- Image blood flow and
function of the heart
- Scan lungs for respiratory
and blood-flow problems
- Identify gallbladder
disease
- Evaluate bones for
fracture, infection,
arthritis or tumor
- Determine the presence
or spread of cancer
- Identify bleeding into
the bowel
- Locate the presence
of infection
- Evaluate thyroid function
Related Links
http://www.radiologyinfo.org
http://webmd.org
http://www.snm.org (Society
for Nuclear Medicine)
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