What is a common application of Ga-67 in nuclear medicine?

Gallium-67 (Ga-67) is utilized in nuclear medicine primarily for the evaluation of inflammatory and infectious diseases. This radioisotope has a unique property of ionically binding to certain proteins, particularly transferrin, which is elevated during inflammatory processes. As a result, Ga-67 scans are particularly effective in identifying areas of infection or inflammation, such as in cases of abscesses, osteomyelitis, and various inflammatory conditions.

In the context of the other options, Ga-67 is not typically used to evaluate liver function, assess cardiovascular health, or monitor kidney function. Liver function tests are usually more aligned with specific metabolic and enzyme evaluations rather than imaging techniques associated with Ga-67. Similarly, cardiovascular assessments involve different imaging agents or modalities like SPECT with thallium or technetium-based radiopharmaceuticals instead of Ga-67. Lastly, kidney function monitoring typically relies on agents that reflect glomerular filtration rate or renal perfusion, which do not include Ga-67. Thus, Ga-67's primary and effective application in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory and infectious diseases stands out in its use within the field of nuclear medicine.