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.

Ron Blankstein, MD, FACC, FASNC, MSCCT, FASPC, associate director, cardiovascular imaging program, director, cardiac computed tomography, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a professor of medicine and radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains a few of the recent advancements in cardiac MRI, nuclear imaging and computed tomography.

Exploring major breakthroughs in cardiac imaging

Ron Blankstein, MD, director of cardiac computed tomography for Brigham and Women’s Hospital, details recent developments in cardiac MRI, nuclear imaging and CT.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

FDA sees potential in new PET imaging agent for cardiac amyloidosis

Early evidence suggests a new PET imaging agent from California-based Attralus can help evaluate all varieties of systemic cardiac amyloidosis. It has now been granted the FDA's breakthrough therapy designation.

medical imaging carbon emissions climate change

PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’

Medical imaging machinery uses a lot of power, and the extent to which it quickens the pace of global warming is becoming clearer.

Video interview with Tim Bateman, MD, co-director, cardiovascular radiologic imaging program, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and an American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) past-president, explaining the role of SPECT into the future as PET becomes more popular. A new look at PET vs SPECT.

SPECT still has an important role to play in nuclear cardiology

"I see, at least for the next decade, this being a SPECT and PET world, not one or the other," explained Tim Bateman, MD.

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Video interview with ASNC President Lawrence Phillips, MD, NYU, who is encouraging the modernization of nuclear cardiology labs and expansion into new diagnostic areas.

ASNC president pushes to modernize nuclear cardiology, expand the specialty's reach

ASNC President Lawrence Phillips, MD, wants to see nuclear cardiologists modernize their labs and embrace new strategies for the evaluation of amyloidosis, sarcoidosis and inflammation.

Jamie Bourque, MD, medical director of the nuclear cardiology and stress laboratory, and medical director of the echocardiography lab, at the University of Virginia, discusses a new multimodality consensus statement for imaging cardiac amyloidosis. This area has rapidly expanded over the past couple years now that there are drugs to treat the condition.

New ASNC quality metrics will support standardization of imaging for cardiac amyloidosis

Interest in cardiac amyloidosis has been on the rise in recent years. Jamie Bourque, MD, talked to Cardiovascular Business about an upcoming consensus statement focused on using cardiac imaging to evaluate patients for signs of this serious condition.

Rob deKemp, PhD, FASNC, University of Ottawa, Canada, explains new nuclear cardiac imaging dose lowering techniques for PET and SPECT.

How to achieve much lower radiation doses in cardiac nuclear imaging

The radiation doses associated with CT have decreased significantly, leaving nuclear cardiology as the modality with the highest doses in all of cardiac imaging. Rob deKemp, PhD, talked to us about some of the many ways imagers can work to address this issue.

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.