Impact of COVID-19 on Nuclear Medicine Departments in Africa and Latin America.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a survey to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nuclear medicine services worldwide at two specific time-points: June and October 2020. In this paper, we describe the impact of COVID-19 on nuclear medicine departments in Africa (19 countries, 41 centers) and Latin America (15 countries, 83 centers) obtained from the survey. Respectively in Africa and Latin America, the volume of nuclear medicine procedures decreased by 69% and 79% in June 2020 and 44% and 67% in October 2020.

Nuclear Medicine Departments in the Era of COVID-19.

From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic we, the nuclear medicine (NM) community, expediently mobilized to enable continuity of essential services to the best of our abilities. For example, we effectuated adapted guidelines for NM standard operating procedures (SOPs) and enacted heightened infection protection measures for staff, patients, and the public, alike. Challenges in radionuclide supply chains were identified and often met.

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.

Global Radiotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions-White Paper.

Recognizing the increase in cancer incidence globally and the need for effective cancer control interventions, several organizations, professional bodies, and international institutions have proposed strategies to improve treatment options and reduce mortality along with minimizing overall incidence. Despite these efforts, an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 was attributed to this noncommunicable disease, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide.

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.

Molecular imaging in musculoskeletal infections with Tc-UBI 29-41 SPECT/CT.

Objective: To determine the added value of CT over planar and SPECT-only imaging in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal infection using Tc-UBI 29-4.

Materials And Methods: 184 patients with suspected musculoskeletal infection who underwent planar and SPECT/CT imaging with Tc-UBI 29-41 were included. Planar, SPECT-only and SPECT/CT images were reviewed by two independent analysts for presence of bone or soft tissue infection.

Nuclear Cardiology Practice in Asia: Analysis of Radiation Exposure and Best Practice for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging - Results From the IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Cross-Sectional Study (INCAPS).

Background: This paper examines the current status of radiation exposure to patients in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in Asia.Methods and Results:Laboratories voluntarily provided information on MPI performed over a 1-week period. Eight best practice criteria regarding MPI were predefined by an expert panel.