Comparing Novel Positron Emission Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with Conventional Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Abstract

For myocardial blood flow imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technology is widely accepted by the cardiological community. It is supported by rich literature and has acceptable diagnostic accuracy. However it does have limitations with false positive studies especially in women and obese patients and underestimates the multivessel coronary disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) technology appears to be able to improve diagnostic accuracy in detecting coronary disease. It offers qualitatively better images with shorter acquisition times and lower radiation burden on patients and personnel. It has the advantage of absolute quantification of myocardial blood flow for multivessel coronary disease diagnosis and is superior in the assessment of myocardial viability. In absolute terms it is an expensive method but avoiding the cost of additional diagnostic tests in equivocal studies makes it cost effective. Its availability is improving and it is expected to help in advancing nuclear cardiology.