nuclear cardiology
Specialty field using radiotracer imaging to assess cardiac perfusion, function, and viability.
Full Definition
Nuclear cardiology encompasses imaging techniques that use radioactive tracers to evaluate various aspects of cardiac physiology, including myocardial perfusion, ventricular function, and tissue viability. Common procedures include single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with technetium-99m or thallium-201, positron emission tomography (PET) with rubidium-82 or fluorine-18 FDG, and multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scanning. These techniques provide functional information complementary to anatomical imaging and are essential for risk stratification, diagnosis of coronary artery disease, and assessment of treatment response.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the specific tracer and technique used (SPECT, PET, MUGA) for clarity in clinical reports.
In Context
- "Nuclear cardiology demonstrated a large reversible perfusion defect in the anterior territory." — stress imaging report
- "The patient was referred to nuclear cardiology for assessment of myocardial viability." — clinical referral