Facilities
PET CT Scan
Overview
A Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT scan) combines a CT scan and a PET scan into one to give detailed information about the cancer in question.
A CT scan takes pictures from all around the body and uses a computer to put them together. There is detailed information about CT scans in our section about cancer tests. A PET scan uses a very small amount of an injected radioactive drug to show where cells are active in the body.
PET-CT has revolutionised medical diagnosis in many fields, by adding precision of anatomic localisation to functional imaging, which was previously lacking from pure PET imaging. For example, in oncology, surgical planning, radiation therapy and cancer staging have been changing rapidly under the influence of PET-CT availability, to the extent that many diagnostic imaging procedures and centres have been gradually abandoning conventional PET devices and substituting them with PET-CTs. Although the combined/hybrid device is considerably more expensive, it has the advantage of providing both functions as stand-alone examinations, being, in fact, two devices in one.
Working
Before carrying out a PET scan, a radioactive medicine is produced in a cyclotron. The radioactive medicine is then tagged to a natural chemical. This natural chemical could be glucose, water, or ammonia. The tagged natural chemical is known as a radiotracer. The radiotracer is then inserted into the human body.
When it is inside, the radiotracer will go to areas inside the body that use the natural chemical. For example, FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose – a radioactive drug) is tagged to glucose to make a radiotracer. The glucose goes into those parts of the body that use glucose for energy. Cancers, for example, use glucose differently from normal tissue – so, FDG can show up cancers.
A PET scan detects the energy emitted by positively-charged particles (positrons). As the radiotracer is broken down inside the patient’s body, positrons are made. This energy appears as a three-dimensional image on a computer monitor.
The image reveals how parts of the patient’s body function by the way they break down the radiotracer. A PET image will display different levels of positrons according to brightness and colour.
When the image is complete, it is examined by a radiologist who reports his/her findings to a doctor.
Advantage
The following are considered to be the biggest advantages of a PET CT Scan:
• A powerful source of data to help make the right decisions
• Completely safe
• Reduces number of invasive procedures
• Can help avoid unnecessary surgery
• Can tell whether a tumour is benign or cancerous
• Can show all the organ systems of the body in a single exam, showing, for example, whether cancer has spread
• Detects disease often before it shows up on other tests
• Is an early predictor of patients’ response to their therapy
• Assists in planning for radiation therapy
Comparison
| CT Scan | PET CT Scan | |
| Radiation exposure | The effective radiation dose from CT ranges from 2 to 10 mSv, which is about the same as what the average person receives from background radiation in 3 to 5 years. Usually, CT is not recommended for pregnant women or children unless absolutely necessary. | Moderate to high radiation |
| Effects on the body | Despite being small, CT can pose the risk of irradiation. Painless, non-invasive. | Radiation risk from the injection of a radioactive tracer is about the same as an X-ray |
| Principle used for imaging | Uses X-rays for imaging | Radioactive tracers that emit positrons are used. The positrons are tracked by the system to generate a 3D image over time |
| Scope of application | CT scan outline bone inside the body very accurately. | PET scans can image biological processes within the body. |
Conditions
In general, PET scans may be used to evaluate organs and/or tissues for the presence of disease or other conditions. PET may also be used to evaluate the function of organs such as the heart or brain. Another use of PET scans is in the evaluation of the treatment of cancer.
PET CT scans are used to
• Diagnose dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy and cerebrovascular accidents
• Locate the specific surgical site prior to surgical procedures of the brain
• Evaluate the brain after trauma to detect haematoma, bleeding, and/or perfusion of the brain tissue
• Detect the spread of cancer to other parts of the body from the original cancer site
• Evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatment
• Evaluate perfusion to the myocardium (heart muscle) as an aid in determining the usefulness of a therapeutic procedure to improve blood flow in that area
• Identify lung lesions or masses detected on chest x-ray and/or chest CT
• To assist in the management and treatment of lung cancer by staging lesions and following the progress of lesions after treatment
• To detect recurrence of tumours earlier than with other diagnostic modalities
NMR Other Doctors
| Dr. Subhaschandra Mahajan | Medical Superitendent |
| Dr. Padma Gunari | Nuclear Medicine |
| Dr. M.H.Kulkarni | Histopathologist |
| Dr. Asha Deshpande | Pathologist |
| Dr. Mamata Halgeri | Pathologist |
| Dr. Narendra Shah | Radiologist |
| Dr. Sameer Gore | Radiologist |
| Dr. K. Yogi Dutta | Radiologist |
| Dr. Suhas Hanchinmani | Radiologist |
| Dr. Kiran Kulkarni | Radiologist |
| Dr. Deepa Jadhav | Radiologist |
Toshiba Premium High End Digital Color Dopler System
Features:
- Next Generation Differential Tissue Harmonic Imaging
- Color Doppler Mode
- Power Angio Mode
- Directional Power Angio Mode
- Advanced Dynamic Flow
Configuration:
- USMP A500A – Superb Micro Vascular Imaging to Detect Microvasculatiry
- USMP A500A – Micropure – to Detect Microcalcification
- USSW A500A – Shear Wave Elastography
Ultra Sonography
NMR uses top-of-the-line USG equipment capable of high-definition ultrasounds that can be viewed in any plane and in real-time modes. However, USG investigations are also cependent on the technique of the person conducting the examination, and their ability to understand the implications of what they a’e seeing. NMR has highly skilled and experienced specialist doctors performing all investigations including USG.
Digital X-Ray
X-ray beams are captured on specially designed digital detectors converting them into electronic signals, which are then sent to a computer.
Mammogram
NMR uses the digital x ray techniques to detect and diagnose breast cancer and other diseases using very low doses of radiation and advanced digital equipment.
Orthopentogram (OPG)
OPG provides panoramic view of the jaw. This is specially useful for patients with jaw trauma & dental diseases.
Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
NMR is well known as a centre of excellence in diagnostic endoscopy owing to reputed practitioners and use of latest technology.
TMT
The TMT at NMR assesses the heart muscle’s response to the need for addit oral oxygen during increased physical activity, under medical supervision.
EchoCardiography
ECG at NMR allows accurate measurement of the heart chambers. Sophisticated and advanced 2-D Echo imaging displays a cross-sectional slice” of the beatng heart, including the chambers, valves and the major blood vessels that exit from the left and right ventricle.
Pulmonory Function Test
At NMR, the PFTs give a wealth of measurements in the form of spirometer, volumes, diffusing capacity, arterial blood gas, and flow-volume oops. The clinical interpretations are carried out by extremely experience doctors.
Bone Densitometry
NMR’s advanced DEXA bone densitometer combines the proven clinical value of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurement and vertebral fracture assessment allowing excellent point-of-care
assessment.
Routine and Specialized Laboratory Tests
Highly sophisticated, fully computerized, the NMR iab is equipped with latest hi-tech instruments and back-uo for all kinds of routine and specialized lab tests from Haematology, Clinical Pathology. Bio- Chemistry, Histopathology, Serology, Microbiology, Profiles and Hormone Study byWidal.