Myocardial Blood Flow Quantification Using Positron-Emission Tomography

– Analysis and Practice in the Clinical Setting –

Abstract

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has played an important role in the diagnosis and risk assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) since the early 1970s. Positron emission tomography (PET) MPI has high diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value. PET MPI can also be used to quantitatively evaluate regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) through a mathematical model. PET MBF measurements can be used in evaluating early-stage atherosclerosis with endothelial dysfunction right through to diagnosing CAD. PET/computed tomography scanners are now found in many facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, and PET MBF quantification is expected to move from strictly research to more clinical applications. Nuclear cardiology has been a leader in quantification approaches that can be applied to other new imaging modalities. Therefore, it would be valuable to understand the basic aspects of quantification approaches. This review will address the basic aspects of MBF quantification and the additional value of quantification approaches in the clinical setting.  (Circ J 2013; 77: 1662–1671)