Cardiac SPECT

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear imaging modality that uses injected radiotracers to image heart cell metabolism to show functional information on the heart. Cardiac SPECT is used for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and represents the vast majority of nuclear cardiologic imaging exams each year. It is used to determine if a patient has ischemia or an infarct and if revascularization of the coronary arteries will help the patient experiencing chest pain or a heart attack. The FDA has approved four radiotracers for MPI, including thallium-201, 99mTc-Sestamibi, 99mTc-Tetrofosmin, and 99mTc-Teboroxime.

Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over
The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.
Cardiac PET on the rise among U.S. cardiologists
SPECT is still the most common modality used to evaluate CAD patients, but cardiac PET is gaining more and more momentum.
ASNC president-elect predicts unprecedented innovation in nuclear cardiology
"We are on the edge of a new journey in nuclear cardiology," explained ASNC President-elect Panithaya Chareonthaitawee, MD.
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.
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.

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

CCTA is a safe, effective alternative to SPECT in patients with stable chest pain

The findings come by way of the RESCUE Trial, which included more than 1,000 participants from 44 different sites.

December 8, 2020

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.

March 16, 2020

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).

June 21, 2018

Cardiac SPECT

Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

Cardiac PET on the rise among U.S. cardiologists

ASNC president-elect predicts unprecedented innovation in nuclear cardiology

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

SPECT still has an important role to play in nuclear cardiology