What is nuclear cardiology?

A scan of the heart using a radioactive isotope imaged non-invasively with a gamma camera

Nuclear Cardiology is a non invasive way of assessing:

Myocardial perfusion (with SPECT or PET)
Assessing myocardial viability (with SPECT or PET) or
Assessing ventricular function (planar imaging with MUGA or with gated SPECT/PET)

What is myocardial perfusion imaging or scintigraphy?

Radiopharmaceutical which localise in the heart muscle is injected at peak stress and at rest.
Difference in regional blood flow due to coronary artery stenosis appears as ‘cold spots’ on the scan.
Through an ECG trigger, can assess left ventricular function (ejection fraction).

Suggested reading for healthcare professionals

Although not comprehensive, this list of reviews and books is a useful starter for new entrants to the field. Of course, other books and articles are available - this list should not be considered in isolation.

Page last edited: 02 February 2012