In this Issue: January 2018

“I am among those who think that science has great beauty.”

—Marie Curie

Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging is an ever-expanding field of imaging. Combining functional information from radiopharmaceuticals with anatomic imaging creates a powerful tool. The interpreting physician must not only have a sound basis in radiological principles, but also have a solid foundation in physiology and pathophysiology to understand the normal and abnormal causes of uptake. It is with this goal that we proudly present this nuclear-medicine-themed issue of JAOCR.

Our review article topics were chosen to address common issues in everyday nuclear medicine, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT and parathyroid imaging. The PET review article focuses on the variety of pitfalls encountered in oncologic FDG PET/CT imaging. The article is essentially an imaging atlas to illustrate the gamut of potential pitfalls leading to—and strategies to avoid—misdiagnosis. Our parathyroid imaging review provides a comprehensive look at the current state of nuclear medicine’s role in managing primary hyperparathyroidism with a focus on SPECT/CT hybrid imaging.

In our differential case reviews, we present an unusual and unexpected focus of uptake in a radiolabeled leukocyte scan, as well as an atypical thyroid scan in a patient with hyperthyroidism. Finally, we have three beautiful examples of classic nuclear medicine cases for your enjoyment in JAOCR at the Viewbox.

I am forever grateful to the staff, reviewers, and editors at JAOCR. Special thanks must be given to William T. O’Brien, Sr., D.O., for guidance and support throughout this project. Every author worked diligently on these articles and I am forever in their debt. I am also honored to have several residents from the Garden City Division of the Michigan State University Radiology Osteopathic Residency Program participate in this issue. Their hard work with guidance from faculty mentors resulted in excellent articles.

It was fun creating the issue, and I hope you enjoy it. Moreover, I hope this issue solidifies and adds to your knowledge of clinical nuclear medicine.