Myocardial Perfusion (SPECT) Imaging: Radiotracers and Techniques

Author(s): Panagiotis A. Georgoulias, George C. Angelidis, Athanasios S. Zisimopoulos and Ioannis C. Tsougos

Pp: 68-123 (56)

Abstract

Heart failure remains a highly prevalent disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Millions of patients are affected worldwide and their treatment is associated with a significant cost for the healthcare systems, especially in developed countries. In approximately two-third of the cases, ischemic heart disease is the cause of the syndrome. Therefore, myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging is a key element in the diagnostic investigation, prognostication, and management of patients with heart failure. Perfusion images are obtained according to various well-established protocols, after the administration of either thallium-201 or technetium-99m labelled radiotracers in combination with several stress techniques. In the future, technological innovations and improvements of reconstruction methods are expected to strengthen the role of myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging as a useful tool for the investigation of heart failure and patient’s management.

Keywords: Adenosine, Dipyridamole, Dobutamine, Exercise testing, Heart failure, Myocardial ischemia, Myocardial perfusion, Technetium-99m sestamibi, Technetium-99m tetrofosmin, Thallium-201, Regadenoson.