Benefits of PET in Identifying Coronary Artery Disease

Article:

Positron emission tomography in coronary artery disease

Authors:

K. Lance Gould

Journal:

Current Opinion in Cardiology, Vol. 22, 2007

Summary:

This review summarizes the evidence supporting cardiac positron emission tomography as a definitive, noninvasive, ‘one-stop’ test for routine management of coronary artery disease that is well validated in the scientific literature and illustrated by clinical cases. Substantial evidence documents accuracy of positron emission tomography for identifying early or advanced coronary artery disease, quantifying its severity, risk stratification, deciding on revascularization procedures, following progression or regression, and for evaluating coronary endothelial function as the basis for preventive treatment.

In this study, Gould concluded that, when performed correctly, cardiac positron emission tomography, can provide definitive noninvasive assessment of early or advanced coronary atherosclerosis as the basis for invasive procedures or for lifelong intense risk factor management, demonstrate progression or regression of disease, predict clinical outcomes and serve as the primary definitive noninvasive guide for managing coronary artery disease.

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