Nuclear Medicine

Today's world of modern medicine is replete with the benefits of our understanding of subatomic physics. As our abilities to peer deeply into the complex structure of atoms increases, we better improve our medical diagnostic abilities. Regional Cardiology has taken advantage of this modern imaging technology and has the capability to use nuclear medicine to better diagnose many illnesses without the need for exploratory surgery.

These advances are made possible with the SPECT system. SPECT is an acronym for Single Photon Emission Computer Tomography. As the name implies, it is a rather advanced system for detecting the body's structures and abnormalities. A photon is a "particle" of light and the basis for nuclear medicine largely resides in the ability to detect particles of light and how much energy they possess. A mildly radioactive isotope is typically injected into the patient. Because this isotope degrades rapidly, it ejects "photons" which leave the body.

SPECT scan of different
layers of the heart

These photons are collected by a camera which is connected to a computer. Different structures in the body will radiate different frequency photons (photons with different energy levels). The computer can tell the difference between these energy levels and make a map or tomograph of the structures being scanned based on these energy differences. The differences can show up as different colors, shades, or brightness depending upon the specific scan being done.

It is this technology which allows intensive diagnostic imaging of the interior of the human body allowing our physicians to better manage our patient's health care. At Regional Cardiology Consultants we have two sets of these modern imaging systems. One is at our main office in Jackson, Tennessee while the other takes this technology to patients throughout western Tennessee's communities with the convenience of our Mobile Coach. Below are links you may follow to learn more about the SPECT scans done both in the Jackson office and those done on our Mobile Coach.