Positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion

Authors: BaiLing Hsu Kevin A Bybee Timothy M Bateman

Publish Date: 2009/05/31

Volume: 2, Issue: 3, Pages: 176-182

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Abstract

Clinically indicated radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging most often is performed using single photon emission CT SPECT Its major strengths include an extensive knowledge base attesting to its diagnostic accuracy and ability to stratify risk of shortterm events and the wide availability of instrumentation However it is not accurate for detecting subclinical coronary artery disease CAD it can seriously underestimate CAD extent and it performs better in patients who are able to exercise Myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography PET is an option that is being increasingly used for more challenging patients especially those who need to be stressed pharmacologically The current evidence base is small with most work concentrated on exploring how PET data may expand the field of nuclear cardiology rather than comparing it with SPECT A few capabilities unique to PET include potential of routine quantitation of myocardial blood flow assessment of peak stress rather than poststress left ventricular function and superior compensation for scattered counts

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