The HCI Spotlight

Volume XVII | Issue 9 | September 2025

THE HCI SPOTLIGHT

HCI's Monthly Review of the Healthcare Industry

Robert J. Stilley

President, CEO

HeartCare Imaging, Inc.

A Message from the CEO

Dear Colleagues –

The past few weeks have felt especially hectic, with projects, travel, and deadlines all moving at once. But hectic doesn’t always mean chaotic — more often, it’s a sign that progress is happening. In our world, momentum is everything, and sometimes that means juggling many moving parts to keep things on track. While it can feel like a lot in the moment, it’s also rewarding to look back and see how much gets accomplished when the pace picks up.

This month has been no exception. We’ve continued moving forward with new installs, growing partnerships, and preparing for what’s ahead in the coming months. Each project brings its own challenges, but together they create the kind of forward motion that keeps us energized. It’s a reminder that while the pace may be demanding at times, it also reflects the opportunities we’re fortunate to be a part of.

Please enjoy this month's newsletter!

Best Regards,

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Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear imaging groups share new flurpiridaz guideline

The introduction of the new F-18 flurpiridaz (Flyrcado) PET cardiovascular perfusion tracer was met with a large amount of enthusiasm due to the fact that it will help facilitate wider expansion of cardiac PET. But the new radiotracer has different imaging characteristics from the long-available PET rubidium-82 generators, so new guidelines for flurpiridaz were released this week.

New Targeted Radiation Therapy Shows Near-Complete Response in Rare Sarcoma Patients

A novel targeted radiation approach for a rare form of malignant tumor—the solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)—has shown significant success, achieving a near-complete response in three patients. The therapy significantly reduced cancer activity and provided symptom relief, underscoring its potential as a viable treatment option. This research was published in the September issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

New Radiotheranostic Targets Identified for Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometrial Cancer

Two molecular targets—human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) and cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24)—are highly promising candidates for new nuclear diagnostics and therapeutics for endometrial cancer, according to new research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. PET imaging of these targets could play a significant role in the management of the disease, helping clinicians identify patients who are likely to respond to targeted therapeutics.

Researchers' testing of industrial dyes could lead to the development of dementia-specific imaging agents

Experts are working on a way to repurpose industrial days to help create dementia-specific imaging agents.

Cardiology

A call to action for pediatric cardiologists: CVD prevention begins at childhood

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is believed to be responsible for one in three deaths around the world. Pediatric cardiologists can help combat this trend by looking for warning signs of CVD in their young patients and collaborating with other physicians, according to a new analysis published in Nature Reviews Cardiology.

How to bring cardiologists to rural America during a physician shortage

As the national physician shortage deepens, cardiology is feeling the strain. Things are especially grim when it comes to staffing in rural America.

More than 99% of heart disease cases have a risk factor you can address before you get sick, study shows

Before a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular disease hit, there are almost always warning signs, according to a new study.

AI Analysis of Mammograms May Predict Heart Disease Risk in Women

A deep learning algorithm that only uses data from mammogram images along with age may predict major cardiac events as accurately as traditional cardiovascular risk calculators, new data suggest.

European Union Steps Up Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. As populations age and grow, the total number of cases continues to increase, creating a widening prevention gap.

Health

Recovery Is a Journey. Readers Share Their Advice After Blood Clots.

The club of pulmonary embolism survivors opened up to a Wall Street Journal editor after her medical scare.

Why Gen X women can’t stop eating ultra-processed foods

Researchers found that middle-aged adults, especially women, are far more likely to be addicted to ultra-processed foods than older generations.

Simple blood test predicts liver disease years before symptoms

Researchers in Sweden and Finland have created the CORE model, a simple blood test that predicts liver disease risk with striking accuracy.

Junk food can scramble memory in just 4 days

Scientists discovered that high-fat junk food disrupts memory circuits in the brain almost immediately.

Prone to winter depression? Starting light therapy now can help

Have you noticed you're sleeping a little longer? Maybe you're experiencing a shift in appetite — craving more sweets or pasta. In autumn, our bodies sense the change in light as the dark winter months approach, which can help explain what you are feeling.

Health Care Industry News

Physician practice acquisitions on the rise: GAO

Consolidation with health systems can lead to higher prices, alongside a decrease or no change in care quality, according to a review from the Government Accountability Office.

Ascension returned to profitability in 2025

It’s a victory for the system, which reported a $1 billion loss last year as it struggled to recover from a cyberattack.

Medicare Advantage enrollment projected to fall in 2026: CMS

Nearly 1 million fewer people could sign up for the privatized Medicare plans next year, according to the CMS, marking the first time in years MA enrollment could decline.

3 ideas for health systems to consider amid AI deployment

Providers should set clear goals on what they’re trying to achieve with AI tools and lean on project managers as they implement the technology in healthcare, experts say.

Neuroscience

Sleep Disorders Predict Parkinson’s or Dementia Years Ahead

Two landmark international studies show that brain biomarkers can predict whether people with REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) will develop Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Targeting the Cerebellum Could Ease Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Researchers have identified the cerebellum as a promising target for easing alcohol withdrawal, the stage of alcohol use disorder that drives many people back to drinking. In mice, withdrawal symptoms were alleviated by calming overactive cerebellar neurons, either through genetic tools or a synthetic compound.

Can meditation apps really reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia?

Meditation apps are revolutionizing mental health, providing easy access to mindfulness practices and new opportunities for scientific research. With the help of wearables and AI, these tools can now deliver personalized training tailored to individual needs.

Alzheimer’s Study Finds Blood-Brain Barrier Largely Intact

A new study suggests that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains intact in a widely used mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dopamine Links Social Isolation to Brain Myelin Damage

A new five-year study explores how dopamine may drive changes in brain myelin during social isolation. Researchers will track how dopamine interacts with oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing myelin and supporting neuron function.

HeartCare Imaging, Inc. | Phone: 561-746-6125 | Fax: 561-741-2036 | info@heartcareimaging.com

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