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. There remains controversy on the role of SPECT/CT in eutopic tumours, especially when considering such factors as imaging time and the additional radiation dose.

Awareness and understanding of nuclear medicine among junior doctors in a district general hospital setting: an audit and personal experiences.

AIM: To discover the level of knowledge and understanding about nuclear medicine techniques among current junior doctors in a hospital setting. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent out to all Foundation Year 1 and Foundation Year 2 doctors at my institution, asking them to list as many nuclear medicine investigations (with relevant indications) as they knew. All known nuclear medicine therapies were also listed. The data from these questionnaires were analysed. The doctors were then given a lecture entitled 'Introduction to Nuclear Medicine'. The questionnaires were then sent out again 1 month later, and the data from them were re-analysed. RESULTS: Each junior doctor, before the lectures, knew a mean of 3.1 investigations and 0.8 therapies. After the lectures, they were able to list a mean of 7.5 investigations and 3.4 therapies. This difference/improvement in knowledge is statistically significant (P<0.001). DISCUSSION: Level of knowledge regarding nuclear medicine is poor among junior doctors. After appropriate education, the audit showed a highly statistically significant improvement in the level of knowledge. A lack of exposure to nuclear medicine, and its low profile in many hospitals, are the likely causes of the initial lack of awareness. It is important to rectify this, not only for improving patient management, but also for the future of the specialty itself.