Cardiac SPECT-CT and PET-CT Imaging

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), either using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET), combined with noninvasive coronary angiography using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is now available for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The combination acquired in a hybrid scanner has shown to boost the advantages of either modality and compensate for their respective limitations. Generation of composite, fused, multimodality images containing detailed anatomic information from MDCT with their possible physiologic impact from MPI in a single setting makes the interpretation of the combined data sets easier and better than mental integration. This article describes the technical aspects of MPI and cardiac CT, and the role of cardiac hybrid imaging in providing unique information that may improve noninvasive diagnosis, risk assessment, and management of CAD.