1) Understand the technical advancements associated with new scintillation cameras and SPECT-CT and PET-CT cameras. 2) Appreciate the benefits of CT attenuation correction. 3) Appreciate the adjunctive benefits of anatomic definition provided with CT and physiologic/function information provided by SPECT and PET. 4) Improve interpretive skills related to SPECT and PET-CT.

Camera and software technology recently has rapidly advanced, providing improved SPECT image resolution and increased counting statistics. These advancements in turn have provided the possibility of reduced-time and reduced radiopharmaceutical dose image acquisitions. Moreover, increased flexibility in imaging protocols has been realized. Future development of these methods hold promise in increasing diagnostic accuracy and expanding diagnostic applications. The addition of CT to SPECT and PET has afforded the ability to perform attenuation correction, thereby minizing attenuation artifacts and increasing diagnostic specificity. With CT acquisitions of sufficient resolution, complementary anatomic diagnostic information is provided. In addition, more precise anatomic localization of  SPECT and PET abnormalities significantly increases clinical applicability.  

Advances in Cardiac Nuclear Imaging: SPECT/CT and PET/CT.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/8001006.html