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. 

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Nuclear reactor in Poland steps up to address Mo-99 shortage

The Maria reactor in Poland began producing the isotope hours after a water leak shut down the high flux reactor in Petter, the Netherlands.

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Medical isotope shortage looms as 'unplanned' outage halts Mo-99, Lu-177 production

The root cause of the problem has not yet been discovered, halting isotope production for an undisclosed amount of time, according to SNMMI.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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‘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.

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Imaging advocates, bipartisan lawmakers unite to oppose ‘misguided and massive’ Medicare pay cuts

Congressmen highlighted a planned wage increase for clinical labor that will spell 20% reductions elsewhere, due to budget neutrality. 

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Quality experts urge CMS to fold imaging Appropriate Use Criteria Program into other value initiatives

After years of delays, the initiative's usefulness has "diminished significantly," imaging leaders from several noted institutions wrote in Health Affairs.