Heart disease remains one of the most serious health concerns facing adults today. Getting the right diagnosis quickly can make a real difference in outcomes. At Clinical Associates, P.A., we are committed to bringing that level of care closer to home.
We are proud to announce that our newly renovated Cardiology Department at our Woodholme location in Pikesville now features a Cardiac PET/CT scanner. This is a significant addition to cardiovascular care in the Greater Baltimore area.
What Is Cardiac PET/CT Imaging?
Cardiac PET/CT stands for Positron Emission Tomography combined with Computed Tomography. It is a non-invasive imaging study used to evaluate the heart.
The two technologies work together. PET imaging measures how blood flows through the heart muscle. CT imaging captures detailed pictures of the heart’s structure. Together, they give physicians both functional and anatomical information in a single scan.
This combination is particularly useful for evaluating coronary artery disease (CAD). It can also assess myocardial blood flow, which refers to how well blood is reaching the heart muscle itself.
Why Cardiac PET/CT Is Considered a High-Accuracy Tool
Not all heart imaging is created equal. Cardiac PET/CT is widely recognized in the cardiology community for its strong diagnostic performance.
According to the American College of Cardiology, cardiac PET offers superior accuracy compared to conventional nuclear stress testing. It provides clearer, more reliable information for identifying coronary artery disease.
Key advantages of this technology include:
- Earlier detection of heart disease, often before symptoms become severe
- More precise risk stratification, helping physicians determine who needs intervention
- Quantification of coronary artery calcium, which adds important context to overall cardiovascular risk
- Faster scan times compared to older nuclear imaging methods
- Enhanced image clarity that supports more confident clinical decisions
- Reduced radiation exposure compared to some traditional cardiac imaging options
These features make it a valuable option for patients who need thorough, detailed cardiac evaluation.
Who Typically Benefits From This Scan?
Cardiac PET/CT is often recommended for patients who need a detailed evaluation of their heart health. It may be appropriate for those with:
- Known or suspected coronary artery disease
- Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue
- Prior abnormal stress test results that need further evaluation
- Multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- A family history of early heart disease
When patients come to us with concerns about their heart health, we typically look for imaging tools that provide both accuracy and efficiency. Cardiac PET/CT is one of the most informative options available at this level of care.
Your cardiologist will determine whether this scan is the right fit for your specific situation. Not every patient requires this level of imaging. But for those who do, having this technology available locally makes a meaningful difference.
What the Scan Can Detect
Cardiac PET/CT can help evaluate:
- The presence and extent of coronary artery disease
- Areas of the heart muscle that may have reduced blood flow (ischemia)
- Damage from a previous heart attack (myocardial scarring)
- Coronary artery calcium levels, which help assess plaque buildup
- Functional information about how effectively the heart is working
This level of detail supports what cardiologists call personalized treatment planning. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, your care team can use this data to tailor recommendations specifically to your cardiovascular profile.
What to Expect During a Cardiac PET/CT Scan
For many patients, the idea of a cardiac scan can feel intimidating. In practice, the process is typically straightforward and well-tolerated.
Before the scan:
- You will receive specific preparation instructions from our team
- Most protocols involve fasting for several hours beforehand
- You may be asked to avoid caffeine for 24 to 48 hours prior
During the scan:
- A small amount of a radioactive tracer is administered intravenously
- The tracer travels through your bloodstream to the heart
- The PET/CT scanner captures images over a relatively short period
- The newer generation of scanners, including ours, typically offer faster scan times
After the scan:
- You can usually resume normal activities shortly after
- Your care team will review the results and discuss findings with you
- A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled to go over next steps
The American Heart Association notes that nuclear cardiac imaging is a well-established and generally safe diagnostic tool. The radiation dose involved is considered low relative to the clinical benefit for appropriate patients.
Where Is the New Scanner Located?
The Cardiac PET/CT scanner is now operational at our Woodholme location:
Clinical Associates, P.A. — Woodholme 1838 Greene Tree Road, Suite 300 Pikesville, MD 21208
This location has undergone a full renovation of the Cardiology Department. The updated facilities support the full range of cardiology services we offer, now with this expanded imaging capability.
Our Towson location continues to offer cardiology appointments as well:
Clinical Associates, P.A. — Towson 515 Fairmount Avenue, Suite 210 Towson, MD 21286
Welcoming Back Michelle Bruno, PA-C
Alongside the new scanner, we are also pleased to welcome back Michelle Bruno, PA-C, our Cardiology Physician Assistant.
Michelle is seeing patients at both our Towson and Woodholme locations. Appointments are available within a week at the Towson office, Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Having an experienced cardiology PA available with short wait times is a genuine advantage for patients who need timely cardiovascular follow-up.
Referrals and Scheduling
Our cardiology team is now accepting referrals for Cardiac PET/CT imaging. Referring physicians can contact us directly to coordinate care for their patients.
To schedule an appointment or for more information about our cardiology services:
- Call: 410-494-1294
- Visit: ClinicalAssociatesMD.com
For appointments with Michelle Bruno, PA-C, specifically, you can also call (410) 494-6701.
Why Choose Clinical Associates for Your Heart Care?
Clinical Associates has served the Greater Baltimore area for decades. We are an independent, relationship-driven practice. We are not part of a large hospital system.
That matters in cardiology. You deserve a care team that knows your history. You deserve timely access and clear communication. You deserve imaging technology that gives your physician accurate, actionable information.
The addition of Cardiac PET/CT at our Woodholme location reflects our ongoing investment in exactly that kind of care.
If you have concerns about your heart health, do not wait. Contact our cardiology team today. We are here to help you understand your options and take the right next steps.
Schedule your appointment at ClinicalAssociatesMD.com
