Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 25: AJ Hospital & Research Centre, Mangaluru, has successfully completed a rare and advanced PET-CT scan (Gallium-68 Trivehexin) at its Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. This marks the first-ever such scan performed in Dakshina Kannada district, signifying a major advancement in diagnostic imaging.

Gallium-68 Trivehexin is a promising new PET-CT scan used to detect hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in patients diagnosed with Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). PHPT is a common endocrine disorder characterized by elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and inappropriately high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Surgery is the primary treatment for this condition, but identifying and accurately locating these small lesions is often challenging. While 99mTc-MIBI scan and ultrasound (USG) are the standard imaging techniques for PHPT, Gallium-68 Trivehexin has shown superior accuracy and diagnostic precision.

Additionally, Gallium-68 Trivehexin PET-CT can be utilized for detecting pancreatic adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, expanding its clinical applications beyond parathyroid imaging.

Speaking about this milestone, Dr Sujith Rai, consultant, Nuclear Medicine, AJ Hospital, stated, "This is the first time that this rare PET-CT scan has been performed in Dakshina Kannada. Moving forward, we plan to introduce specialized PET-CT scans for various illnesses and malignancies. Our goal is to bring the latest advancements in medical imaging to Mangaluru, ensuring the best possible healthcare for our patients."

With this pioneering achievement, AJ Hospital continues its commitment to delivering cutting-edge medical diagnostics to benefit the people of Dakshina Kannada and beyond.