CDI Launches `PET' Imaging at St. Louis Park Clinic; Positron Emission Tomography Presents Most Advanced Technology for Cancer Detection.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2002

Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) announces the launch of its Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning program at CDI's St. Louis Park Center location. PET imaging technology is a new nuclear imaging technique that can provide important new information about such conditions as cancer, heart disease and neurological problems.

Unlike X-Rays, CTs or MRI scans, PET does not rely on anatomic or structural abnormalities. The ability of PET to show chemical function (metabolism) of organs and tissues allows for outstanding accuracy at detecting disease extent earlier than other imaging techniques. Ultimately, PET is an imaging technique that produces pictures of human body functions unobtainable by other scanning methods.

CDI's PET scanning program is led by radiologist Brent Bullis, M.D., a specialist in body radiology and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. Dr. Bullis brings a wealth of specialized experience to CDI, having trained in PET and abdominal/cross-sectional imaging at the Mayo Clinic.

"The addition of PET technology rounds out CDI's extensive offering of state-of-the art scanning techniques," said Kenneth Heithoff, M.D., Medical Director, Chairman and Founder of CDI. "PET imaging is a great asset to our practice as we continue to expand our offerings and deliver the highest quality results to referring physicians."

Founded in 1981, CDI is a leader in providing high-quality, cost-effective radiologic imaging services. CDI currently owns and operates 21 diagnostic imaging centers located in five states. The national outpatient imaging company offers referring physicians access to a full array of subspecialty-trained imaging experts in body, neuro, musculoskeletal, head and neck, and cardiovascular imaging. CDI fields a subspecialty approach for its radiologists, allowing them to concentrate in one area of expertise, usually a specific area of anatomy. As a result, clinicians and patients can expect consistently expert interpretations. CDI currently operates nine centers in Minnesota located in the following cities: St. Louis Park, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Burnsville, Mendota Heights, Woodbury, Waite Park, St. Cloud and Duluth, plus centers in Milwaukee, WI; Indianapolis, IN; the Seattle/Tacoma area, WA; and in Orlando, FL.