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.

Most popular radiology video interviews on Health Imaging
Radiology has seen a lot of large language model and generative AI research and adoption and it is clearly a hot button topic with our No. 1 video.
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.

SNMMI 2020: Imaging highlights connection between heart and kidneys in heart attack response

Researchers monitored how the heart and kidneys responded one day, three days, seven days and six weeks following an induced myocardial infarction.

ASNC monitoring potential Mo-99 supply shortages due to COVID-19

The president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology said there are no shortfalls reported at this time, but the organization is keeping an eye on the situation as more countries implement travel bans.

ASNC publishes new amyloidosis imaging guidelines

“We anticipate that these expert multisocietal consensus recommendations on multimodality imaging in cardiac amyloidosis will standardize the diagnosis and improve the management of this highly morbid and underdiagnosed disease," wrote authors of the new guidelines published in the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology.

Nuclear medicine, cardio groups reject proposed myocardial PET cuts

Multiple nuclear medicine and cardiology groups are working to oppose potential cuts to myocardial PET scans that were made possible by the CMS 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, according to a joint statement.

Industry groups oppose proposed myocardial PET cuts

When CMS released the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, it included revisions that could lead to technical component payment reductions of up to 80% for certain services related to myocardial PET scans.

SHINE gains exclusive license for Lu-177 radioisotope production

Janesville, Wisconsin-based SHINE Medical Technologies has announced an agreement with the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague), gaining exclusive rights over an innovation to produce lutetium-177 (Lu-177).

SNMMI, ASNC encourage BCBS to expand coverage of cardiac PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) submitted a letter to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee urging an expansion of cardiac PET coverage.

SNMMI backs updated ASNC guidelines on SPECT MPI

New 2018 guidelines for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) protocols on conventional and novel single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for nuclear cardiology practitioners has received praise from the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

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.