Advanced Radiology Among the First in the U.S. to Offer New Alzheimer's Disease Tracer

BALTIMORE, Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Radiology, a division of RadNet, Inc., a national market leader providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services through a network of 237 fully-owned and operated outpatient imaging centers, announced it will be one of a small number of imaging centers in the U.S. to offer Amyvid, a radioactive tracer used in positron emission tomography – computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging that helps to detect the quantity of beta-amyloid plaque in patient's brains. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Amyvid in April 2012.

Research has shown every patient with AD has increased levels of beta-amyloid plaque deposits in the brain at autopsy; patients that do not have identifiable beta-amyloid plaques in their brain at autopsy did not suffer from an AD diagnosis. A positive Amyvid scan indicates measurable beta-amyloid plaque build-up is present in the patient's brain. Beta-amyloid deposits do not always lead to an AD diagnosis – a positive Amyvid scan cannot diagnose a patient with AD.

"Amyvid is the first test that can effectively rule out Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients who are being evaluated for cognitive impairment," Ethan Spiegler, M.D., chief of nuclear medicine at Advanced Radiology and board certified radiologist. "The ability to persuasively rule out AD can help physicians treat other causes of cognitive impairment and help families better plan for the future of their loved ones."

More than 20 percent of AD cases are currently misdiagnosed. According to the Alzheimer's Association, AD is the sixth leading cause of death in the US. They estimate 100,000 Marylanders will have AD by 2025.

About Advanced Radiology

Advanced Radiology, the most preferred outpatient imaging provider in Maryland, provides advanced diagnostic imaging services in a caring environment in more than 20 outpatient centers and five hospitals in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties. Its comprehensive services include high strength Open MRI, 3T and 1.5T MRI, CT, PET/CT, digital mammography, bone density, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, fluoroscopy and digital X-ray. The practice offers all-digital technology plus secure, online access to images and reports. For more information, visit AdvancedRadiology.com.

SOURCE Advanced Radiology