Review Article

Nuclear Cardiology: SPECT and PET techniques and Challenges in Nuclear

Cardiology
Amratiya Pooja* , Jain Rohan , Khemani Purva , Sharma Priyal , Bhesodiya Vikas
Mahakal Institute of Pharmaceutical Studies, Behind Air Strip, Dewas Road, Ujjain 456664,
Madhya Pradesh.
*E-mail: pooja2017amratiya@gmail.com

Abstract
Nuclear cardiology is an important branch of nuclear medicine, which uses non-invasive
techniques to assess myocardial blood flow, evaluate the pumping function of the heart as well as
visualize the size and location of heart attack. Nuclear cardiology has played a pivotal role in
establishing the diagnosis of heart disease extent and the prediction of outcomes in the setting of
coronary artery disease. Techniques involved are Myocardial Perfusion Imaging, Single Photon
Emission Computed Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography. Among which MPI is
most widely used. Myocardial Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) with
thallium-201 or technetium-99m labeled tracers offer valuable data regarding ventricular
function, myocardial perfusion, viability and intra-ventricular synchronism whereas, Positron
Emission Tomography gives accurate evaluation of these and provide high image quality and has
ability of quantitative analysis. Tracer technique will continue to be in use. However radiation
exposure of patients remains serious challenge. Cost, product availability, reimbursement and
patient referral patterns will be important factors defining the future use of PET. The current
challenges of this exciting field of nuclear medicine will become opportunities if more
collaborative efforts are devoted.

KEYWORDS: - Nuclear Cardiology, SPECT, PET, myocardial perfusion imaging .