Expert consensus: first multidisciplinary consensus on nuclear cardiology.

BACKGROUND

Nuclear cardiology integrates nuclear medicine and cardiology to improve the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of cardiovascular diseases. The continuous development of these techniques and their increasing clinical use require standardized, evidence-based protocols to optimize their application. Therefore, developing consensus documents is essential to ensure appropriate use of imaging for patient benefit.

OBJECTIVE

To develop consensus recommendations for the use of nuclear imaging in cardiovascular infections, coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction, amyloidosis, and sarcoidosis by addressing unresolved questions in clinical practice among general practitioners and specialists, promoting updated and safe application in prevalent national pathologies.

METHOD: A multidisciplinary panel of 19 experts in cardiology, nuclear medicine, and infectious diseases answered 18 clinical questions based on an initial literature review and applying the Nominal Group Technique in a nine-phase process.

RESULTS

The consensus generated 18 recommendations on specific indications for nuclear cardiology studies and key elements for report standardization, improving clinical interpretation, assessing the impact of pharmacological therapies and surgical procedures, and evaluating prognostic value and integration with other imaging techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The consensus provides practical, evidence-based guidance to standardize and optimize nuclear cardiology use in common cardiovascular diseases, promoting rational, effective, and economically viable application of these advanced diagnostic techniques. It strengthens clinical decision-making, therapeutic planning, and interdisciplinary coordination in comprehensive cardiovascular patient management in Colombia.