Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy: From Request to Report

Abstract

There is general recognition that nuclear cardiology, and particularly myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), is under-utilized in the UK when compared with practice in mainland Europe and the USA. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is about to issue a report that will recognize the shortfall in provision, and this should lead to moves to improve the situation. Many imaging departments are likely to institute nuclear cardiology services, or to expand their current level of activity. As a result of this, there is undoubted need for a text that gives practical advice to those coming to the specialty for the first time. Filling this gap, Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy is a concise 'hands on' guide taking readers through all aspects of MPS, including: vetting requests deciding on the appropriate stress protocol and carrying it out the acquisition and processing of images through to their final interpretation and reporting assessment of the impact of imaging on patient management. Keeping references to radiation protection legislation and government initiatives as general as possible in order to retain the attention of those working outside of the United Kingdom, full use is also made of key points, tables and flow charts, with practical tips to aid newcomers to the specialty. Although the emphasis is on areas that the authors know give rise to difficulty, the approach is not limited to problem-solving, and there is comprehensive coverage of all areas of practice including, for example, stress testing and image interpretation.