Positron Emission Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Tracer Choice for Assessment of Myocardial Blood Flow

Abstract

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using positron emission tomography (PET) has high diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, PET MPI can be used to quantify global left ventricle (LV) and regional LV myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR). Currently, there are four major PET perfusion tracers: 82 rubidium, 13 N-ammonia, 15 Owater, and 18 F-flurpiridaz. The characteristics of each tracer have been described and fully compared. Given increasing clinical needs for accurate MBF and MFR measurements, the use of PET MPI should be expanded in clinical settings in the near future.