A 2022 International Survey on the Status of Prostate Cancer Theranostics.

Growing interest in PSMA imaging using [Ga]- or [F]-labeled ligands and PSMA-based radioligand therapy (RLT) of prostate cancer (PCa) prompted us to survey the global community on their experiences and expectations. A web-based survey was composed to interrogate areas specific to PET imaging, the clinical value chain, and RLT applications. International responses were collected in early 2022.

Intra-articular Treatment of Digital Osteoarthritis by Radiosynoviorthesis-Clinical Outcome in Long-term Follow-up.

Purpose: This retrospective study analyzed the long-term effects of radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) with special emphasis to local joint pain in patients from 4 different RSO centers in Germany and Austria.

Methods: A total of 168 finger joints in 147 patients with digital joint OA were investigated. The indication for RSO was based on both clinical complaints and a proven synovitis, despite anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy and previous intra-articular corticosteroid injections.

The future of radiosynoviorthesis: bright or bleak?

Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) is a decades known, effective intra-articular nuclear medicine local therapy, with few rare side-effects, in which inflamed synovial membrane is treated by means of colloidal beta-emitters. There are major variations worldwide in terms of acceptance, frequency of use and approved indications for this procedure. Thus, reliable figures that reflect reality are only available for a few countries.

[Pain reduction by radiosynoviorthesis in rheumatism-induced synovitis of the elbow : Results of a retrospective multicenter data analysis].

Background: Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) is a nuclear medical local treatment modality for inflammatory joint diseases. It is indicated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in joints with persistent synovitis despite adequate pharmacotherapy. Arthritis of the elbow joint occurs in up to 2/3 of patients with RA.

[The Baker's cyst - a blunt sword of Damokles in radiosynoviorthesis (RSO)?].

The existence of a popliteal Baker's cyst was regarded as a contraindication for radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint since decades. A so-called "ventile mechanism" was discussed leading to a significant concentration of the intraarticularly applied, high energy beta emitting radiopharmaceutical yttrium-90-colloid in the cyst. This cyst arises from a bursa beneath the tendon of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, normally communicating with the knee joint space.

COVID-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned and What to Expect in the Future?

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented and unexpected challenge for societies and healthcare systems, including nuclear medicine providers. This article summarizes the major events imposed on nuclear medicine by COVID-19 from a global perspective, focuses on the major lessons learned regarding attitude, medical procedures, organizational implications and strategical considerations, and then discusses what to expect (and how to prepare) for the future. While the look back to what has happened is clearly evidence based, the look ahead and the conclusions drawn require the disclaimer of only representing the personal opinion and prediction of the authors.

Changes in the global impact of COVID-19 on nuclear medicine departments during 2020: an international follow-up survey.

Aim: As a follow-up to the international survey conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in April 2020, this survey aims to provide a situational snapshot of the COVID-19 impact on nuclear medicine services worldwide, 1 year later. The survey was designed to determine the impact of the pandemic at two specific time points: June and October 2020, and compare them to the previously collected data.

Materials And Methods: A web-based questionnaire, in the same format as the April 2020 survey was disseminated to nuclear medicine facilities worldwide.

[Joint DGN, OGNMB and SGNM S1 guideline for radiosynoviorthesis].

This recommendation is intended to provide a guideline for radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) in the effective local treatment of chronic inflammatory (non-infectious) joint diseases. It was developed in an interdisciplinary manner and describes the general objectives, definitions, clinical background information, indication and contraindications of this radionuclide therapy. The requirements to be met by a treatment center, the results of pretherapeutic examinations as well as recommendations on how the treatment should be carried out.

[Impact of COVID-19 on Nuclear Medicine Procedures in Germany 2020 - Results of a National Survey].

Introduction:  The COVID-19 pandemic imposed an unimaginable challenge to the healthcare systems worldwide. This online survey captured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nuclear medicine services in Germany comparing 2020 to 2019.

Materials And Methods:  A web-based questionnaire was developed to record the 2020 numbers of nuclear medicine procedures and, in particular, the change compared with 2019.

[RSO in clinical practice: Status in Germany 2020].

Background:  Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) is a local radionuclide therapy of inflammatory joint diseases, successfully performed since several decades mainly as an outpatient-protocol in ambulatory health care centers or nuclear medicine practices. Despite of long-term experience in some centers, only very few valuable or comparable data about the procedure itself and/or the clinical results of this treatment are available.

Objectives:  The aim of this online survey is to assess reliable data of the current status in Germany.

Global Impact of COVID-19 on Nuclear Medicine Departments: An International Survey in April 2020.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed significant challenges on health-care systems worldwide, whether in the preparation, response, or recovery phase of the pandemic. This has been primarily managed by dramatically reducing in- and outpatient services for other diseases and implementing infection prevention and control measures. The impact of the pandemic on nuclear medicine departments and their services has not yet been established.

Impact of COVID-19 on Nuclear Medicine in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: An International Survey in April 2020.

Introduction:  Preparations of health systems to accommodate large number of severely ill COVID-19 patients in March/April 2020 has a significant impact on nuclear medicine departments.

Materials And Methods:  A web-based questionnaire was designed to differentiate the impact of the pandemic on inpatient and outpatient nuclear medicine operations and on public versus private health systems, respectively. Questions were addressing the following issues: impact on nuclear medicine diagnostics and therapy, use of recommendations, personal protective equipment, and organizational adaptations.

In Patients We Trust: Reliability of Self-Reported Weight and Height in Nuclear Medicine Patients.

The aim of the study was to assess the reliability of the self-reported weight and height of nuclear medicine patients in view of recommendations for weight-dependent tracer application for imaging and therapy. In total, 824 patients (334 men and 490 women) were asked to report their weight and height before imaging or therapy and their level of confidence. Subsequently, the weight and height of each patient were measured, and body mass index, body surface area, and lean body mass were calculated.

An International Survey on Clinical Reporting of PET/CT Examinations: A Starting Point for Cross-Specialty Engagement.

Combined PET/CT imaging has become an integral part of patient management, particularly in oncology. After the imaging examination, a report of the findings is created by expert readers and sent to the referrers as a basis for subsequent decisions. In view of the known wide variation in operational models for PET/CT imaging, we surveyed PET/CT users on their approaches toward PET/CT reporting.

[Development of a national competency-based learning objective catalogue for undergraduate medical education in Germany].

Aims: Implementation of the guidelines on the Competency-based Learning Objective Catalogue for Undergraduate Medical Education for a Nuclear Medicine curriculum on behalf of the committee on professional training and continuing education of the German Association of Nuclear Medicine (DGN) METHODS:: In 7 domains 100 learning objectives (LOs) were subject to a prioritization in 3 categories (A, B and C) by means of a questionnaire as part of a Delphi method, in collaboration with all members of the DGN holding a "venia legendi" as experts. Category A defined the essential LOs for each medical practitioner. The prioritization was made by ranking the frequency of the A-classifications.

An international survey on hybrid imaging: do technology advances preempt our training and education efforts?

Background: Hybrid PET/CT and PET/MRI are increasingly important technologies in the evaluation of malignancy and require cooperation between radiologists and specialists in molecular imaging. The aim of our study was to probe the mindsets of radiological and nuclear medicine professionals in regard to current hybrid imaging practice and to assess relevant training aspirations and perceived shortfalls, particularly amongst young professionals. In this context, we initiated an international survey on "Hybrid Imaging Training".

99mTc-DPD SPECT/CT for localisation of inflammatory and chronic osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle. Comparison with planar imaging and SPECT as a clinical adjunct in radiosynovectomy.

Aim: The precise localisation of osteoarthritic and inflammatory changes is crucial for selective treatment planning of radiosynovectomy (RSV). The present study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of planar bone imaging and SPECT for the detection of pathological bone metabolism and inflammation in joints of the foot and ankle, compared with SPECT/CT.

Patients, Methods: 39 patients (mean age 65.