The nuclear medicine department performs scintigrams and CT-PET scans in addition to certain metabolic treatments. This is mainly diagnostic medicine; however, a small part of its nuclear medicine activities has to do with therapy.

1. Scintigraphy/SPECT-CT scan:

Scintigraphy is an imaging technique using mildly radioactive substances (isotopes) that are administered by intravenous injection in minute quantities, and that have the ability to adhere to the patient’s organs or tissues.
Next, with the use of a special camera, the radiation emitted by the organ or tissue is recorded. In this way, its function can be studied.

In addition, owing to the technical developments and the regular upgrading of our devices, we can also create hybrid images (SPECT-CT), i.e. a fusion of scintigraphic images and scans to enhance the quality of diagnosis, particularly easier location of abnormalities).

2. The PET-CT scan:

The PET-scan (Positron Emission Tomography scanning or PET in English) is an isotopic, hybrid (PET images paired with a scan) examination. It consists in injecting a mildly radioactive product (isotope) into the body, which adheres to tumours and/or metastases as well as infected or inflamed sites.

In the field of oncology, the PET-CT scan has become an indispensable examination for assessing, following up and investigating the recurrence of most tumours.

With regard to infectious and inflammatory diseases (including rheumatic conditions), clinicians are using the PET-scan with increasing regularity.

Furthermore, the PET-CT can be used for identifying epilepsy prior to any surgery, investigation of myocardial viability and assessment of memory disorders.

3. Metabolic treatments:

Some radioactive substances have radiation properties that enable them to be used for therapeutic purposes (“metabolic therapy”). Currently, at Saint-Jean, we treat:

• Certain cases of hyperthyroidism (Basedow’s disease, toxic nodules, toxic goitres, etc.)
• Most cancers of the thyroid (accompanied by surgery)
• Certain cases of bone metastases due to prostate cancer

All new cases of metabolic therapy are discussed in a multidisciplinary oncology consultation.

4. Bone densitometry

The nuclear medicine department is also equipped with a bone densitometry machine which is used in the assessment and monitoring of osteoporosis.