Advances in Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT : 32nd Annual Case Review with the Experts with 101 Evidence-based Cases

A major national healthcare imperative for noninvasive imaging is to use the tests in a manner that provides value. This directive couples two major goals, which means using imaging resources judiciously while ensuring the proper application of imaging to identify and guide therapy of at-risk patients to improve clinical outcomes. To this end, nuclear cardiology, cardiac CT and cardiac MRI studies provide powerful tools that must be optimally performed, interpreted, reported and acted upon by physicians and ordered on the right patients.

For both Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT :
• Implement latest protocols for acquisition and processing, including the use of instrumentation and software, to provide optimal quality studies
• Reduce radiation exposure to patients by implementing new acquisition protocols and reconstruction methods
• Identify the strengths and limitations of the modalities, so as to select the test which is best suited to the needs of individual physicians
• Demonstrate improved skills in image interpretation, including the recognition of imaging artifacts, and create optimal reports that integrate test findings with clinical information
• Select patients for imaging studies based on appropriate use criteria to reduce the frequency of inappropriate tests and increase the use of appropriate tests
• Recommend or suggest change in patient management following testing so the test information can be optimally used to improve patient outcomes
• Analyze the clinical settings in which the studies provide value (outcomes/costs)