The Nuclear Cardiology Core Curriculum (NC Core Curriculum) is an in-depth program designed to expand your knowledge of nuclear cardiology fundamentals.

The course provides a thorough foundation in nuclear cardiology based on the latest information and techniques essential for every imager. Through video presentations and case-based questions, leading experts in nuclear imaging guide you to improve your expertise. Earn up to XXXX CME credits.

The NC Core Curriculum is composed of 10 topics with 23 presentations including:

1. Physics Fundamentals, Basics Radiotracers, Stress Agents, and Radiation Biology

• Knowledge of Basics Physics of SPECT/MUGA Acquisition and Display
• Properties and Use of Standard Radiotracers
• Basics of Pharmacologic Stress Agents Mechanism of Action, Administration, and Safety
• Radiation Biology Basics
  
  

2. Pre-test Assessment and Fundamentals of Stress Testing

• Principles of Stress Testing
• Basics of Pre-test Risk and How to Incorporate Results for Post-test Risk
• Stress Lab Emergencies
  
  

3. Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Review

• Protocols of Assessing Myocardial Viability
• SPECT Protocols for CAD
  
  

4. Interpretation and Reporting of SPECT

• Role of SPECT on Ventricular Function Assessment
• Identify a High-Risk SPECT Study
• Recognizing Artifacts
• Systematic Interpretation and Reporting
  
  

5. Appropriate Use of Testing

• Patient Centered Imaging: How to Choose the Right Test for the Right Patient
• Knowledge of AUC and its Application
  
  

6. Risk Stratification

• Integrating Clinical and Stress EKG Findings with Myocardial Perfusion
  
  

7. Cardiac PET

• Basics of Cardiac PET and Myocardial Blood Flow
• Interpretation and Reporting of PET
  
  

8. Basics of CT in Nuclear Cardiology

• Basics of Cardiac PET and Myocardial Blood Flow
  
  

9. Multimodality Imaging in Cardiac Amyloidosis

10. FDG Imaging for Sarcoid, Infection and Inflammation

• Patient Preparation for FDG Imaging of Sarcoidosis, Cardiac Inflammation and Infection
• Use of FDG PET/CT for the Evaluation, Management and Prognosis in Cardiac Sarcoidosis
• Use of FDG PET/CT in Cardiovascular Infection

This course is designed for cardiologists, nuclear cardiologists, cardiology fellows, nuclear medicine physicians and residents.

After participating in this Nuclear Cardiology Core Curriculum, learners should be able to:

Section 1
• Define basic principles of SPECT and MUGA acquisition/display including tomographic views and planes
• Define and understand properties and use of standard perfusion tracers
• Discuss the basics of pharmacologic stress agents (mechanism of action, administration, safety)
• Recognize the basics of radiation biology and safety in nuclear cardiology

Section 2
• Discuss the principles of stress testing, contraindications and when to choose exercise versus pharmacologic
• Understand pre-test risk and how to incorporate results to get post-test risk
• Identify stress lab emergencies and the risks from modality vs stressor

Section 3
• Identify the protocols used with perfusion tracers, how it is tailored to imaging need (patient centered imaging)
• Understand and apply knowledge regarding SPECT Protocols for CAD and patient-centered imaging

Section 4
• Recognize the role of SPECT on ventricular function assessment
• Identify the characteristics of a high risk study
• Apply knowledge regarding artifact recognition
• Understand and apply knowledge regarding the systematic interpretation and reporting of SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging

Section 5
• Recognize the importance of patient centered imaging and choosing the right test for the right patient
• Demonstrate knowledge of AUC and its application

Section 6
• Discuss the importance of integrating perfusion findings to clinical and ECG data

Section 7
• Describe the basics of cardiac PET and myocardial blood flow
• Demonstrate understanding of interpretation and utilize reporting best practices in cardiac PET

Section 8
• Understand and apply the basics of calcium scoring and cardiac CT interpretation

Section 9
• Apply the basics of multi-modality imaging for the detection of cardiac amyloidosis

Section 10
• Demonstrate understanding of the basics of patient preparation for FDG imaging of sarcoidosis, cardiac inflammation and infection
• Demonstrate understanding of the use of rest perfusion and FDG cardiac PET/CT for the evaluation, management, and prognosis in cardiac sarcoidosis.
• Explain the value of FDG PET/CT in cardiovascular infection

The goal of this course is to provide a thorough foundation in Nuclear Cardiology based on the latest information and techniques essential for every cardiovascular training program.

Windows Requirements:
Operating system: Windows 10+
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Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection

Macintosh Requirements:
Operating system: Mac OS X 10.6.8+
Browser: Mozilla Firefox v84.0+, Safari 14+, Chrome v90.0+
Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection