The Current State of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine.

The last decade has seen a huge surge in interest surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). AI has been around since the 1950s, although technological limitations in the early days meant performance was initially inferior compared to humans. With rapid progression of algorithm design, growth of vast digital datasets and development of powerful computing power, AI now has the capability to outperform humans.

Exhaled Mycobacterium tuberculosis output and detection of subclinical disease by face-mask sampling: prospective observational studies.

Background: Tuberculosis remains a global health challenge, with early diagnosis key to its reduction. Face-mask sampling detects exhaled Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We aimed to investigate bacillary output from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess the potential of face-mask sampling as a diagnostic method in active case-finding.

Delineating outcomes of patients with diffuse large b cell lymphoma using the national comprehensive cancer network-international prognostic index and positron emission tomography-defined remission status; a population-based analysis.

The recently devised National Comprehensive Cancer Network International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) appears superior to the revised IPI (R-IPI) in delineating outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. We examined the outcome of a population-based cohort of 223 consecutive patients treated with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) or R-CHOP-like immuno-chemotherapy between January 2005 and December 2011 by both the NCCN-IPI and R-IPI, and further stratified outcome by the achievement of both computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT complete remission (CR), with the latter reassessed using blinded central review by an independent nuclear medicine and radiology specialist. The NCCN-IPI was superior to the R-IPI in identifying patients at very high risk of systemic and/or central nervous system relapse.

The role of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in localizing parathyroid adenoma.

With hybrid imaging playing an increasingly important role in nuclear medicine, this article reviews the literature on single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in parathyroid scintigraphy. An understanding of parathyroid and neck anatomy is important for accurate reporting of these scans, as this can have an impact on the surgical approach used. The contribution of SPECT/CT over and above SPECT alone is greatest in terms of localization, particularly for ectopic tumours.

A United Kingdom based survey of clinical practice in the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism.

Objective: To identify UK practice in the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism with particular reference to the pregnant population and to determine whether the 2003 British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines had influenced practice.

Method: A postal survey was performed of all 249 nuclear medicine departments in the UK identified from the British Nuclear Medicine Society database.

Results: One hundred and one responses were received (41%).

Brown adipose tissue and seasonal variation in humans.

Objective: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is present in adult humans where it may be important in the prevention of obesity, although the main factors regulating its abundance are not well established. BAT demonstrates seasonal variation relating to ambient temperature and photoperiod in mammals. The objective of our study was therefore to determine whether seasonal variation in BAT activity in humans was more closely related to the prevailing photoperiod or temperature.

Multimodality imaging of a retrosternal parathyroid adenoma with multiple brown tumors.

Brown tumors of hyperparathyroidism are rare but can mimic metastatic disease on many imaging modalities. We report the case of a patient presenting with symptomatic brown tumors of hyperparathyroidism due to a large retrosternal parathyroid adenoma, with histopathological correlation of both. The initial imaging findings on plain radiography, computed tomography, and bone scintigraphy were nonspecific and difficult to differentiate from the more common diagnosis of metastatic disease.

Mobile PET in the UK: legislative, regulatory and cost-effectiveness considerations.

Mobile PET/CT or mobile stand alone PET, is becoming more widely available throughout the developed world, allowing many small and medium-sized hospitals that do not have the scale or financial resources to purchase the static diagnostic equipment, to benefit from this imaging technology. Before embarking on such a service, a number of legislative, logistical and administrative issues have to be addressed to ensure that a mobile PET/CT service is run with optimal efficiency and safety and in compliance with the regulations governing the use of radioactive substances. Some of these issues are similar to those encountered in operating a mobile magnetic resonance imaging scanner but there are important differences owing to the use of both sealed and open radioactive sources.