What is Heart Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Overview and Benefits

Heart imaging with position emission tomography is a form of imaging test. Also called cardiac PET scan, it is used to assess how well the heart is working. It involves injecting glucose solution into a vein in the arm, which is highlighted under a PET scanner. The images can tell doctors how well the blood flows through the heart. They can also help doctors measure oxygen use and how well the body is using glucose (damaged cells take up more glucose than normal cells).

Such information is key to diagnose a number of heart diseases. It can also help doctors decide if certain heart procedures will benefit the patient. The test is often performed before a patient undergoes angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. PET scan show cells or tissues of the heart that can still be saved. If they are still functioning, patients are cleared for certain medical procedures.

Cardiac PET is an outpatient procedure. This means that patients are allowed to go some the same day.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

A cardiac PET scan is one of the diagnostic tests used by doctors to diagnose patients showing signs of heart problems. These signs include chest pains, arrhythmia, breathing difficulty, fatigue, and weakness.

Before a cardiac PET scan is ordered, patients undergo a number of tests first. These include a physical exam, a test that records the heart’s electrical signal (ECG), and stress test. If the results of initial tests suggest an abnormality, the doctor will order imaging tests. Aside from PET, other tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used.

As for the expected results, the doctor will obtain crucial information to make a diagnosis. The images produced by PET scan will help them identify which areas of the heart are damaged or contain scar tissue. The images can also identify the areas of the heart that are not receiving enough supply of oxygen.

A PET scan can help diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure. CAD refers to a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the heart are narrowed or blocked. Such condition is treated by widening the affected blood vessels with procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery. Heart failure, on the other hand, means that the heart is unable to pump efficiently. As a result, the body does not receive enough supply of oxygen and nutrients. It can be caused by a heart attack and heart valve disease.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Prior to the test, the patient is advised to make necessary preparations. They must submit a list of all the medications they are currently taking. The doctor will review the list to make sure that the medications will not affect the results of the PET scan. Patients with diabetes must consult their endocrinologist especially if they are on insulin therapy. Their dosage may need to be adjusted prior to the test. Patients are not allowed to eat anything four to six hours before the test.

PET scan is carried out by a nuclear medicine technologist. The test can be performed in a hospital or a specialised, fully equipped cardiac centre. The patient will be asked to lie down as electrodes that are connected to an ECG machine are placed on his or her chest, legs, and arms.

The radioactive material is then injected to the patient’s vein. The doctor will wait until the tracer reaches the heart muscle before the patient is placed inside a PET scan. The tracer is highlighted by the PET scanner. The information is then converted into pictures of the heart at work.

The test is done on an outpatient basis. This means that patients are allowed to go home after the procedure. They are advised to increase their water intake. This helps flush out the radioactive material from the body. They are then scheduled to come back within a couple of days wherein their doctor will explain the result of the test and the next steps that need to be taken.

Potential Risks and Complications

A PET scan is a nuclear imaging test that uses radioactive materials to create images of body organs. The amount of radioactive material used is very small and patients are exposed to low levels of radiation during the test. The risks of complications are thus small. The benefits of the procedure also outweigh its risks.

Some potential side effects are bleeding at the site where the radioactive material was injected and allergic reactions to the tracer. It is important to note that such risks rarely occur.

References:

• The American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/DiagnosingaHeartAttack/Positron-Emission-Tomography-PET_UCM_446359_Article.jsp#.WiXqM7T1VE4

• Positron emission tomography — Computed tomography (PET/CT). Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=PET.

• About nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. http://www.snmmi.org/AboutSNMMI/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=6433&navItemNumber=756.

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## ‍What is Heart Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography‌ (PET): Overview, Benefits, and⁣ Expected Results



###⁢ Overview



Positron emission tomography (PET) is a‌ non-invasive nuclear imaging technique‌ that reveals how your heart functions and detects certain heart conditions.‌ It involves injecting a small⁣ amount of a‍ radioactive‌ tracer into your bloodstream, which accumulates ⁣in the areas of your heart that are most metabolically⁢ active. ‍The tracer emits positrons, which then interact with electrons in the body, producing gamma rays. These gamma rays‍ are detected⁤ by ‌a special camera that creates images of your heart.



### Benefits



PET heart imaging offers several benefits:



– **High accuracy:** PET‌ images provide ⁣detailed and accurate ‌information about your⁤ heart’s function and ​structure.

– **Non-invasive:** The procedure ‌does ⁤not involve ⁤cutting or ⁢inserting instruments into your body.

– **Versatile:** ⁤PET can detect various ​heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and inflammation.

– **Complements other tests:** PET provides additional information beyond what can be⁤ obtained from other imaging tests like echocardiograms or⁢ stress tests.



### Expected Results



The ⁢expected results of a PET heart imaging study ⁤depend ​on your individual⁢ condition. Generally, the images⁣ may show:



– **Blood flow:** PET images ⁢can assess‍ the blood flow to ⁢different parts ⁣of your heart,⁤ helping to diagnose coronary artery disease.

– **Metabolism:** PET ⁣images can visualize the⁢ metabolic activity in your heart cells, which can help evaluate ⁤heart failure and ⁢arrhythmias.

– **Inflammation:** PET images can detect inflammation in your heart tissue,‌ which can⁣ indicate conditions such as myocarditis or⁢ sarcoidosis.



### Preparation



Prior to a PET heart imaging study, you‍ will need to:



– Fast for 4-6 hours before the⁣ scan.

– Inform your⁢ doctor about ‍any​ medications ‌you are taking.

– Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan.



### Procedure



The PET heart imaging procedure takes about two hours:



– A small amount of radioactive tracer is ⁣injected into your bloodstream through a vein⁤ in your arm.

-‌ You will rest for 45-60 minutes while the ‌tracer circulates through your body.

– ⁣You will then undergo the PET scan, which typically lasts for about 20-30 minutes.

– During​ the ‍scan, ⁣you will lie on a table inside the‍ PET⁣ scanner, which rotates around ​you to⁢ capture ⁢images from different angles.



### ‌Conclusion



PET heart imaging is a valuable‌ non-invasive imaging​ technique‌ that ‌can provide comprehensive information about the function and structure of ‍your heart.⁢ By offering detailed and accurate images,‍ PET imaging aids in the diagnosis and ‌management of various heart conditions.