The use of nuclear medicine techniques in the emergency department

Nuclear medicine techniques have received little attention in the practice of emergency medicine, yet radionuclide imaging can provide valuable and un ique information in the management of acutely ill patients. In this review, emphasis is placed on the role of these techniques in patients with bone i njuries, nontraumatic bone pain and in those with pleuritic chest pain. New developments such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in myocardial infarction are outlined and older techniques such as scrotal sc intigraphy are reviewed. Radionuclide techniques are discussed in a clinica l context and in relation to alternative imaging modalities or strategies t hat may be available to the emergency medicine physician. Aspects of a 24 h our nuclear medicine service are considered.