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.