Nuclear Cardiology | SPECT Stress Test

Understanding nuclear cardiology

Nuclear cardiology techniques are non-invasive imaging studies used to monitor blood flow to the heart. We offer the following nuclear cardiology tests:

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream and cameras record the blood flow to and from the heart.

SPECT pyrophosphate imaging (SPECT PYP)

After the administration of pyrophosphate (PYP), a SPECT camera produces images of the heart.

Positron emission tomography (PET) and CT rubidium stress testing

This test uses PET and CT imaging to monitor blood flow to the heart muscle and to evaluate known or suspected coronary artery disease.

PET or CT fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging

This test uses the PET or CT camera to assess whether the heart muscle is alive.

These studies can help diagnose and guide treatment in patients with the following conditions:

Coronary artery disease
Amyloidosis
Sarcoidosis
Cardiac device infection

Heart care services may vary by location.

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