Review Advances in the Methods of Nuclear Cardiology Assessing Myocardial Perfusion and Function

Some of the recent advances in the field of nuclear cardiology is reviewed, with particular emphasis placed on clinical applicability for patient management in current practice. Major advances in perfusion and function imaging of the heart have occurred during the past five years. Developments in technology, particularly in single photon emission computed tomography have permited improved detection and localization of coronary artery disease. New Tc-99-m-labeled perfusion agents with ideal energy for gamma camera imaging and simultaneous function and perfusion imaging capabilities show promise for enhancing the quality and diagnostic accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging. Tl-201 continues to have widespread use, and recent studies have extended its value in the assessment of viability. In addition to dipyridamole, the new pharmacologic agents adenosine and dobutamine have also been shown to be safe and efficacious. Positron emission tomography, with the ability to perform precise quantitation, has emerged as a new facility for myocardial perfusion and metabolism imaging. Myocardial nuclear imaging has established along with electrocardiography, echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, as a basic tool for the cardiologist. Unfortunately, in Turkey, the number of nuclear cardiology facilities is limited, some of them have not adequately achieved satisfactory quality control or experience. Poor specificity of the myocardial perfusion imaging is a major problem.