Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scanning)

1. To evaluate the health of the coronary arteries (vessels that supply the heart with blood). If the arteries have narrowed or become blocked, the heart receives a limited amount of oxygen. This is called Coronary Artery Disease.

2. To evaluate cardiac muscle following a heart attack. If a heart attack has occurred, a portion of cardiac muscle may be weakened or cease functioning.

Positron emission tomography, or PET, is currently the gold standard test using radioactive particles and the most accurate noninvasive way to measure blood flow to the heart muscle. In addition to measuring blood flow, it can measure metabolic activity, which means it can determine whether heart muscle cells are alive and functioning. Active heart muscles consume oxygen and glucose, and PET measures this activity.

During a PET test, the patient is injected with a chemical that gives off subatomic particles as it degenerates. The subatomic particles, called positrons, are detected by the PET scanner, and this information is stored in a computer. The computer reconstructs an image of the heart at work, showing which areas are not performing normally. This tells the physician that the coronary artery leading to that area is blocked and may need to be opened with a balloon catheter or surgical bypass grafting.

Clinical studies have shown that Cardiac PET Perfusion Scans are the most accurate testing available in the detection of Coronary Artery Disease. There are a variety of tests available; ECG (Electrocardiogram), Stress Testing and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography). Cardiac PET Perfusion had the highest accuracy rate available for cardiac imaging, and is easily tolerated by patients.

Who should have a Cardiac PET Perfusion Scan?

This study benefits a variety of patients including those with limited mobility, diabetes, large breasts that may interfere with cardiac imaging, inability to complete a treadmill exam, etc.

How long does the study take?

Approximately 45 minutes. During the study, the patient’s blood pressure and heart are monitored continuously, while the patient receives a small amount of radioactive tracer introduced through an intravenous catheter in the arm. Then you will be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. The scanner resembles a CT scanner, but has a much larger opening. Some people fall asleep during the scan. As the patient lies on the imaging bed, cardiac imaging takes place. The images are captured at rest and while under pharmacologic stress. The scanned images capture a change in blood flow and provide pinpoint accuracy.

Can I eat and take my medication prior to my appointment?

Do not eat or drink any caffeinated products; coffee, tea, cola and choclate (including decaffeinated tea or coffee). No food or beverage for 6 hours prior to your appointment, you may only have water.