Nuclear Cardiology

Single photon computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging are used as primary cardiac imaging modalities to evaluate the function of the heart. It uses radioactive isotopes attached to sugars that are metabolized by cardiomyocytes. This creates an image of the metabolic activity of the heart and shows areas of ischemia or infarct. Other radiotracers can image the heart to diagnosis cardiac amyloidosis and sarcoidosis.

Bracco updates HeartSee coronary flow capacity software with new diagnostic features
Clinicians have been using HeartSee to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease since the technology first debuted back in 2018. These latest updates, set to roll out to existing users, are designed to improve diagnostic performance and user access.
Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor
The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.
‘A significant milestone’: First US patients receive doses of new PET radiotracer for CAD
Back in September, the FDA approved GE HealthCare’s new PET radiotracer, flurpiridaz F-18, for patients with known or suspected CAD. It is seen by many in the industry as a major step forward in patient care.
Continuation of 99mTc-PYP shortage prompts need for alternative cardiac amyloidosis imaging
After three years of intermittent shortages of nuclear imaging tracer technetium-99m pyrophosphate, there are no signs of the shortage abating.
U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging President, Cathy Cutler, explains the long road to jump-starting a new U.S. domestic supply of imaging isotopes.

New details emerge on looming medical isotope shortage

The supply of Mo-99 and Tc-99m—the most commonly utilized medical isotopes in the world—could be cut by as much as 40% until the reactor in the Netherlands is up and running again.

Video of Jamshid Maddahi, MD, UCLA, explaining why flurpiridaz will change cardiac imaging and increase the adoption of PET cardiac imaging.

A closer look at how FDA's flurpiridaz approval will impact nuclear cardiology

The newly approved PET radiotracer is expected to improve patient care significantly. “We have been able to reach the pinnacle of myocardial perfusion imaging with flurpiridaz," one expert said.

AURORA trial results for Flurpiridaz F-18 PET vs. SPECT discussed by principal investigator Jamshid Maddahi, MD.

'This could be a paradigm shift': How PET with newly approved flurpiridaz compares to SPECT

GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz, the PET radiotracer that recently received FDA approval, offers several key benefits over SPECT. Jamshid Maddahi, MD, discussed the details in an exclusive interview.

The new cardiac PET radiotracer flurpiridaz F-18 is posed to be a major game changer and will likely lead to increased adoption of cardiac PET.

FDA approves GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz F-18 PET radiotracer for CAD

The newly approved radiotracer is seen as a major step forward for nuclear imaging technology. Specialists have been looking forward to its arrival on the market for quite some time.

Erin R. Stevens, CNMT, NCT, director of nuclear medicine at Oregon Heart Center, said training physicians for what is needed in cardiac PET documentation is key for preventing issues with prior authorizations. ASNC photo

Good documentation is the key to cardiac PET prior authorizations

Knowing what, exactly, is needed in cardiac PET documentation is one of the best ways to limit prior authorization issues.

PHOTO GALLERY: ASNC2024, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology's annual meeting

The three-day event attracted nuclear cardiology specialists from all over the world.

Cardiac PET on the rise among U.S. cardiologists

SPECT is still the most common modality used to evaluate CAD patients, but cardiac PET is gaining more and more momentum.

Numerous advances in cardiac nuclear imaging led American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) President-elect Panithaya Chareonthaitawee, MD, to predict "We are on the edge of a new journey in nuclear cardiology, and the opportunities before us are just as vast as they are exciting and promising."

ASNC president-elect predicts unprecedented innovation in nuclear cardiology

"We are on the edge of a new journey in nuclear cardiology," explained ASNC President-elect Panithaya Chareonthaitawee, MD.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

GE HealthCare launches new cardiac CT scanner with advanced AI capabilities

GE HealthCare designed the new-look Revolution Vibe CT scanner to help hospitals and health systems embrace CCTA and improve overall efficiency.

Cardiovascular Business

Bracco updates HeartSee coronary flow capacity software with new diagnostic features

Clinicians have been using HeartSee to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease since the technology first debuted back in 2018. These latest updates, set to roll out to existing users, are designed to improve diagnostic performance and user access.

Cardiovascular Business

Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor

The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.