Nuclear cardiology is a subspecialty within modern cardiology that combines the diagnostic and treatment needs of cardiovascular diseases with advances in nuclear medicine.
To achieve this, techniques based on the use of controlled amounts of radioactive material injected into the body are employed, allowing the capture of detailed images of blood flow, cardiac function, and other characteristics of the heart.
Thanks to this, the cardiologist can identify areas of the myocardium that are not receiving sufficient blood flow, which is essential for the diagnosis of various heart diseases.
One of the main benefits of nuclear cardiology is its ability to provide functional information about the heart, which is not possible with other studies such as an electrocardiogram or a chest X-ray.
Nuclear medicine
To better understand how nuclear cardiology works, it is necessary to understand nuclear medicine in general.
In this branch of medicine, radioactive isotopes known as radiopharmaceuticals are used; these can be injected, ingested, or inhaled by patients. The isotopes emit gamma radiation that can be detected by specialized cameras, which generate detailed images of the organs or tissues exposed to this radiation.
One of its major benefits is the ability to visualize metabolic processes and bodily functions in real time, which is crucial in modern medicine for treating diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, or heart disease.
Nuclear medicine studies
There are various studies in nuclear cardiology that help identify conditions such as current or prior heart attacks, assist in evaluating ventricular function, or diagnose myocardial ischemia.
Among the most common studies performed in nuclear cardiology are:
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): also known as cardiac scintigraphy, one of the most commonly used techniques, it allows the creation of three-dimensional images of the heart at rest and under stress; this helps evaluate areas of reduced blood flow or affected by tissue damage and is an especially useful tool for evaluating patients with suspected coronary artery disease.
- Positron emission tomography (PET): a tool that produces extremely precise and detailed images to evaluate blood flow and cardiac metabolism. It is often used to assess myocardial viability, meaning it allows determination of whether areas of the heart damaged after a heart attack can still benefit from revascularization treatment such as angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery.
- Multiple-Gated Acquisition scan (MUGA): a technique that allows very precise evaluation of ventricular function by measuring the heart’s ability to pump blood; it helps diagnose heart failure or assess patients who have received chemotherapy with oncologic drugs that could affect cardiac function.
Nuclear cardiology image analysis
Cardiac imaging obtained through nuclear medicine offers a range of key benefits that have made it a crucial tool in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Nuclear imaging, compared to conventional X-ray images or echocardiograms, allows not only an anatomical evaluation but also a functional evaluation of the heart, providing a more complete perspective of the patient’s cardiovascular health status.
Overall, nuclear imaging enables precise measurement of blood flow, detection of myocardial damage, evaluation of ventricular function, and noninvasive diagnosis; it also allows monitoring of treatment response, among other features.
Nuclear cardiology has enabled more comprehensive evaluations and better targeted treatment for each patient who is a candidate for this type of study.
Nuclear cardiologists near me
At the ABC Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Diagnostics area, we have a team of specialists in nuclear cardiology who are highly trained and dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your cardiology needs.
Our nuclear cardiologists in Mexico City (CDMX) are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage tests such as single-photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, radionuclide ventriculography tests, and more.
Fuentes:
Elsevier, Radiologyinfo, NIH
