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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

SNMMI images of unusual imaging pattern observed on FDG PET/CT or FDG PET/MR that may be due to Omicron COVID-19 infection. Unlike the FDG PET/CT pattern seen with infections from previous strains of COVID-19, with principal involvement of the lungs, this new array of findings is primarily centered in the upper aerodigestive tract and cervical lymph nodes. What does omnicron COVID look like in medical imaging?

Unusual pattern on PET/CT may indicate COVID omicron variant

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging offered up a handful of tips to help providers who encounter such findings.

January 14, 2022

Imaging group says new guidelines for chest pain contain some ‘troubling recommendations’

The update is meant to help clinicians improve outcomes while reducing costs, but one advocate says certain imaging suggestions may cause unanticipated harm.

October 29, 2021

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology says AHA/ACC chest pain guidelines miss the mark

One of the group's primary concerns is the "inappropriately large role" given to FFR-CT.

October 29, 2021

‘A troublesome trend’: Top imaging groups slam insurer-directed test substitution policies

Advocates say payers' push for single first-line imaging tests for all patients isn't backed by evidence and may cause harm.

September 27, 2021

Medical isotope specialist NorthStar announces new executive hire

Frank Scholz, PhD, will oversee the Beloit, Wisconsin, firm's Mo-99 expansion efforts and new radioisotope development programs, among other duties.

June 21, 2021

Combining AI with cardiac imaging helps predict heart attacks, cardiovascular deaths

The findings were presented virtually during the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's 2021 Annual Meeting.

June 14, 2021

Imaging advocates offer guidance after reported spate of SPECT/CT payment denials

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging said it’s received “many complaints” from the field pertaining to various commercial payers.

June 7, 2021

Healthcare M&A, mergers and acquisitions business deal.

Medical imaging isotope producer Shine finalizes merger with fusion technology specialist

With the help of Phoenix's advanced industrial imaging capabilities, the new entity hopes to ramp up its production of molybdenum-99.

April 21, 2021

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Nuclear Cardiology

SPECT still has an important role to play in nuclear cardiology

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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

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

How to achieve much lower radiation doses in cardiac nuclear imaging

Around the web