Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography Imaging—State of the Art

Positron emission tomography (PET) has contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of heart physiology and pathophysiology for more than 25 years. Despite its clear success in research applications, the restricted availability of this technology, its increased cost, and limited data supporting its use and reimbursement have all contributed to the relatively limited clinical acceptance of it. However, the rapid dissemination of PET/computed tomography (CT) systems initially dedicated to oncology imaging, along with increasing evidence of PET’s clinical efficacy in cardiology and changes in reimbursement, are all contributing to help advance its clinical role in cardiovascular medicine. Additionally, the emergence of integrated PET/CT technology as the dominant configuration of clinical PET scanners also holds great promise for cardiac imaging as it provides a potential opportunity to delineate the anatomical extent and physiological severity of coronary atherosclerosis in a single setting. The objective of this review is to provide the reader with an update on the applications and promises of PET and PET/CT in cardiovascular medicine.