Molecular Imaging physicians use special equipment and techniques to view detailed pictures of what is happening in the body at a molecular or cellular level. This type of medical imaging is often referred to as Nuclear Medicine.
It is most often used to diagnose and manage the treatment of:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Other disorders of the lungs, bones, and kidneys
The noninvasive and painless procedures used in molecular imaging allow our physicians to select the most effective treatment based on each individual patient’s unique characteristics.
Specialists in Molecular Imaging Exams
Our physicians specializing in molecular imaging play a pivotal role in utilizing radiopharmaceuticals to capture internal body processes. By interpreting the emitted gamma rays, they provide crucial insights into cellular activities and metabolic pathways, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. Integrating PET scanners with CT technology enhances the precision of our assessments, allowing for more accurate localization of abnormalities and improving the specificity of our diagnostic reports.Specialty exams and procedures performed by our molecular imaging team:
PET and PET/CT scans are essential for localizing cancer and assessing treatment response. PET/CT combines metabolic data from PET with precise anatomical localization from CT, enabling accurate tumor pinpointing for targeted treatments.
Nuclear Medicine
- Bone Scan – Identifies areas of bone repair in the presence of injury, infection, or tumor.
- Myocardial Perfusion Imaging – Assesses heart blood flow by comparing perfusion levels during exercise and rest.
- Brain Imaging – Identifies various dementias, Parkinsonism, or seizure foci.
- Infection Imaging (Gallium, labeled white cells) – Confirms infection or identifies its source in patients with unexplained fever or sepsis.
- Biliary Imaging – Confirms gallbladder function under normal conditions or in response to a fatty meal.
Molecular Imaging Section Chief:
Patrick Barr, M.D.
Medical Degree: 1983, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas
Residency: 1987, Nuclear Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas
Board Certified: American Board of Radiology
Meet Our Molecular Imaging Radiologists
