Nuclear Medicine makes it possible to study not only the shape of organs, but also how they function. It is a discipline that uses radiopharmaceuticals, specially prepared substances administered in controlled quantities, to identify alterations in the functioning of tissues and organs and to obtain useful information for diagnosis and treatment selection.
After the administration of the radiopharmaceutical, dedicated equipment detects its distribution in the body and transforms it into images. In this way, it is possible to highlight any functional abnormalities, evaluate the response to a therapy, or gather information that can guide a more targeted medical or surgical treatment.
The examinations can be performed at rest or, when necessary, after exertion or the administration of specific medications. Depending on the type of investigation, different technologies are used, including Gamma Camera, SPECT, and PET, which allow for obtaining both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images.
The use of radiopharmaceuticals follows personalized protocols, with calibrated quantities to obtain the best possible diagnostic result using the minimum necessary exposure. Before the examination, the nuclear medicine physician evaluates the clinical indications and establishes the most appropriate procedure for each patient. Examinations involving the use of radiopharmaceuticals require special precautions in the event of pregnancy.
