ASNC Nuclear Cardiology Core Curriculum 2023 (Videos + PPTX)

Comprehensive Foundation Program in Nuclear Cardiology, SPECT, PET, and Cardiac Imaging

The ASNC Nuclear Cardiology Core Curriculum 2023 is a comprehensive educational program developed by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology to provide a structured foundation in modern nuclear cardiology. Led by 18 internationally recognized experts, this curriculum consists of 8 focused courses and 18 presentations covering the essential principles of myocardial perfusion imaging, SPECT, PET, stress testing, risk stratification, cardiac CT integration, and evidence-based imaging utilization.

Designed for cardiologists, nuclear cardiology trainees, imaging specialists, technologists, and healthcare professionals involved in cardiovascular imaging, this program combines core concepts, case-based learning, and practical clinical applications to strengthen both examination preparation and real-world clinical practice.

Format: Videos + PPTX Slides
Edition: 2023

Course Overview

Nuclear cardiology remains a cornerstone of cardiovascular diagnostics, providing critical information regarding myocardial perfusion, ventricular function, ischemia, viability, and risk stratification.

The ASNC Nuclear Cardiology Core Curriculum delivers a systematic review of nuclear cardiology fundamentals while incorporating contemporary patient-centered imaging strategies, appropriate use criteria (AUC), and advances in cardiac PET and hybrid imaging.

The curriculum is structured to help learners build a strong understanding of both technical and clinical aspects of nuclear cardiac imaging.

Target Audience

This program is ideal for:

Physicians

• Cardiologists

• Nuclear Cardiologists

• Cardiac Imaging Specialists

• Internal Medicine Physicians

• Cardiology Fellows

Imaging Professionals

• Nuclear Medicine Physicians

• Nuclear Technologists

• Cardiac Technologists

• PET/CT Technologists

Trainees

• Cardiology Fellows

• Nuclear Cardiology Fellows

• Internal Medicine Residents

• Cardiovascular Imaging Trainees

Learning Objectives

After completing this curriculum, participants should be able to:

• Understand the principles of SPECT and MUGA acquisition and display

• Explain the properties and clinical applications of standard radiotracers

• Apply stress testing principles and select appropriate stress modalities

• Integrate pre-test and post-test probability assessments

• Utilize pharmacologic stress agents safely and effectively

• Understand myocardial viability assessment protocols

• Evaluate ventricular function using nuclear imaging

• Select appropriate imaging studies based on clinical indications

• Integrate perfusion findings with ECG and clinical data

• Identify high-risk nuclear cardiology studies

• Apply Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) in clinical practice

• Understand the fundamentals of cardiac PET and cardiac CT

Program Structure

Course 1: Physics Fundamentals, Radiotracers & Radiation Biology

Topics Include

• Basic Physics of SPECT and MUGA Acquisition

• Image Display and Tomographic Views

• Standard Nuclear Radiotracers

• Pharmacologic Stress Agents

• Radiation Biology Fundamentals

Skills Developed

• Understanding imaging physics

• Radiotracer selection

• Radiation safety principles

• Technical image acquisition

Course 2: Pre-Test Assessment & Stress Testing Fundamentals

Key Topics

• Principles of Exercise Stress Testing

• Pharmacologic Stress Testing

• Contraindications and Safety

• Pre-Test Risk Assessment

• Post-Test Risk Evaluation

• Stress Laboratory Emergencies

Course 3: Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Review

Areas Covered

• Myocardial Viability Imaging

• SPECT Imaging Protocols

• Coronary Artery Disease Assessment

• Patient-Centered Imaging Strategies

• Protocol Selection and Optimization

Course 4: Interpretation & Reporting of SPECT Studies

Topics Include

• Ventricular Function Assessment

• High-Risk SPECT Findings

• Image Artifacts Recognition

• Systematic Interpretation Methods

• Structured Reporting

Clinical Focus

• Diagnostic accuracy

• Image quality assessment

• Clinical decision support

Course 5: Appropriate Use of Testing

Topics Covered

• Patient-Centered Imaging

• Selecting the Right Test

• Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC)

• Cost-Effective Imaging Strategies

• Evidence-Based Imaging Decisions

Course 6: Risk Stratification

Key Concepts

• Integration of Clinical Data

• ECG Interpretation

• Myocardial Perfusion Findings

• Risk Assessment Models

• Prognostic Evaluation

Course 7: Cardiac PET

Topics Include

• Fundamentals of Cardiac PET

• Myocardial Blood Flow Quantification

• PET Imaging Principles

• Perfusion Assessment

• Advanced Risk Stratification

Advanced Applications

• Coronary microvascular dysfunction

• Quantitative flow assessment

• PET-based prognosis

Course 8: Basics of CT in Nuclear Cardiology

Topics Include

• Cardiac CT Fundamentals

• Hybrid Imaging Concepts

• Coronary Calcium Assessment

• CT Integration with Nuclear Imaging

• Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging

Core Clinical Topics

SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Topics Covered

• Perfusion Imaging Principles

• Stress-Rest Protocols

• Ischemia Detection

• Scar Assessment

• Risk Stratification

MUGA Imaging

Areas Covered

• Ventricular Function Analysis

• Ejection Fraction Assessment

• Clinical Applications

Myocardial Viability

Topics Include

• Viability Protocols

• Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

• Revascularization Decision-Making

• Prognostic Evaluation

Stress Testing

Modalities Covered

• Exercise Stress Testing

• Pharmacologic Stress Testing

• Vasodilator Agents

• Dobutamine Stress

• Safety and Monitoring

Artifact Recognition

Common Artifacts

• Attenuation Artifacts

• Motion Artifacts

• Technical Errors

• Interpretation Pitfalls

• Quality Assurance

Educational Highlights

Expert Faculty

The curriculum features presentations from 18 leading ASNC experts and internationally recognized authorities in nuclear cardiology.

Structured Learning Pathway

Content progresses logically from imaging physics and radiotracers to advanced interpretation and risk stratification.

Practical Clinical Focus

Emphasizes real-world clinical decision-making and evidence-based cardiovascular imaging.

Board Review Value

Excellent resource for physicians preparing for cardiovascular imaging and nuclear cardiology examinations.

Why This Course Stands Out

✔ Official ASNC Educational Curriculum

✔ Comprehensive Nuclear Cardiology Foundation

✔ SPECT & MUGA Imaging Training

✔ Cardiac PET Fundamentals

✔ Myocardial Blood Flow Assessment

✔ Stress Testing Principles

✔ Appropriate Use Criteria Review

✔ Viability Imaging Education

✔ Cardiac CT Integration

✔ Artifact Recognition Training

✔ Risk Stratification Strategies

✔ Expert-Led Case-Based Learning

Clinical & Educational Value

The ASNC Nuclear Cardiology Core Curriculum 2023 provides a structured, comprehensive foundation in nuclear cardiology, making it an excellent resource for clinicians seeking to strengthen their understanding of SPECT, PET, stress testing, myocardial perfusion imaging, viability assessment, and cardiovascular risk stratification. The curriculum bridges technical imaging principles with practical patient care, helping learners confidently apply nuclear cardiology in modern clinical practice.