Value of Cardiac PET in Assessment of Patients for the Practicing Cardiologist

This Grand Rounds, “Value of Cardiac PET in Assessment of Patients for the Practicing Cardiologist,” will review the evolving role of cardiac PET/CT as a preferred imaging modality for evaluating patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The session will highlight key advantages over traditional imaging, including improved diagnostic accuracy, lower radiation exposure, and the ability to quantify myocardial blood flow and flow reserve. Emphasis will be placed on practical application, including patient selection, interpretation of findings, and integration into clinical decision-making to enhance outcomes and efficiency in contemporary cardiology practice.

Dr. Renée P. Bullock-Palmer, MD, FACC, FAHA, FASNC, FASE, FSCCT, is an Attending Cardiologist and Director of Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging and Nuclear Cardiology at Deborah Heart and Lung Center. She also serves as Director of the Women’s Cardiac Center and co-director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program. An expert in multimodality cardiovascular imaging, Dr. Bullock-Palmer is a nationally recognized leader in nuclear cardiology, education, and guideline development, with a focus on advancing patient-centered care and improving cardiovascular outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe at least three technical advantages of PET over SPECT, including attenuation correction and tracer kinetics (Rubidium-82 vs. N-13 ammonia).
2. Analyze Myocardial Flow Reserve (MFR) values to identify balanced multivessel ischemia that may appear “normal” on qualitative perfusion images.
3. Identify clinical scenarios where the 2026 ASNC Position Statement mandates PET as the preferred diagnostic test.
4. Utilize PET/CT findings to differentiate between obstructive CAD and Microvascular Dysfunction in patients with persistent angina (INOCA).

Accreditation Statement:

Deborah Heart and Lung Center designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Deborah Heart and Lung Center is accredited by the Medical Society of New Jersey to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Disclosure Statement:

None of the planners, faculty, or the speaker, for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.