Nuclear medicine gamma camera at Woy Woy

A new medical scanner which combines x-ray computer tomography (CT) with a nuclear medicine gamma camera is being installed at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital in Woy Woy.

Known as a Spect-CT scanner, the scanner combines both single-photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) images with CT images, according to nuclear medicine physician Dr Sandeep Sharma from Central Coast Radiology and Nuclear Medicine.

The Spect images show how different parts of the body function, while the CT images highlight body structure.

Combined, they give a more accurate result than using either technique by itself, he said.

"Spect images are obtained following an injection of a radiopharmaceutical which highlights specific areas in the body depending on the type of scan being performed," he said.

"For example, it will outline over-active bone in the case of bone disease.

"The radiopharmaceutical is detected by the nuclear medicine gamma camera which is close to the patient, providing nuclear physicians with a 3D image.

"A CT scan, taken at the same time when patients lie on a bed that moves into a donut-shaped X-ray machine, will then follow to localise any areas of interest," he said.

"When we merge the two images together we can more accurately assess the problem, where it is, how it is functioning and its spread.

"This is especially important for detecting cancer, certain fractures and localising causes of non-specific pain."

Dr Sharma said the technology would be particularly useful in areas of the body like the cervical spine, hands and feet, where it is sometimes hard to determine from nuclear medicine imaging alone whether the problem lies in the bone or the adjacent joints.

It will also be useful in localising tumours in areas such as the liver and abdomen.

"Fusing a Spect with a CT image provides added information to confidently and accurately pinpoint and diagnose the problem," he said.

I-Med Network CEO Mr Mark Masterson said the radiology group was excited to be able to make such important technology available to residents on the Peninsula.

"We have invested significantly in this nuclear medicine equipment to help doctors improve the diagnosis of difficult healthcare issues and wish to ensure all our patients in Gosford and surrounding suburbs, Woy Woy and on the Southern Peninsula have access to vital Spect-CT scanning technology," he said.

He said the new acquisitions should mean faster, more accurate diagnoses of complex health issues.

With the new scanner at the local hospital, patients in Woy Woy and elsewhere on the Peninsula, particularly the elderly, should no longer have to travel to Gosford or Erina for important scans.

Media Release, 18 Apr 2011 Edwina Brook, Crossman Communications