PET
Also written as: PET — Positron Emission Tomography
An advanced nuclear imaging technique using positron-emitting tracers to assess myocardial perfusion, metabolism, and viability with high spatial resolution.
Full Definition
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in cardiac imaging utilizes positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate myocardial blood flow, metabolism, and viability. Common cardiac PET tracers include rubidium-82 for perfusion studies and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for metabolic assessment. PET offers superior spatial and temporal resolution compared to SPECT, with the ability to quantify absolute myocardial blood flow in milliliters per minute per gram of tissue. This modality is particularly valuable for detecting multivessel coronary disease and assessing myocardial viability in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from SPECT in reports; specify tracer used when relevant.
In Context
- "Cardiac PET with rubidium-82 demonstrated reduced perfusion reserve in the LAD territory." — Nuclear cardiology report
- "FDG-PET imaging showed metabolic viability in the akinetic anterior wall segments." — Heart failure evaluation report