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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
Myocardial viability imaging and revascularization in chronic ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Tanya H Tajouri1, Panithaya Chareonthaitawee
1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Insights
Noninvasive viability imaging aids decisions for revascularization in patients with moderate-to-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Current techniques offer benefits but require further outcome studies for optimal treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Revascularization in moderate-to-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction carries high risks.
- Noninvasive viability imaging is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of viability imaging techniques.
- To discuss revascularization strategies in chronic ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging noninvasive viability imaging modalities.
- Assessment of current evidence on the impact of imaging on patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and dobutamine echocardiography are established techniques.
- Cardiac MRI is increasingly used, and computed tomography shows promise.
- Evidence linking viability imaging to improved patient outcomes is largely from observational studies.
Conclusions:
- Viability imaging offers advantages and disadvantages across modalities.
- Optimal treatment strategies for this patient group remain uncertain.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of viability imaging in improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The high rate of periprocedural morbidity and mortality associated with revascularization in moderate-to-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction has provided the rationale for noninvasive viability imaging. The most established viability imaging techniques are PET, single-photon emission computed tomography and dobutamine echocardiography. Cardiac MRI is gaining widespread use and accessibility, and computed tomography is emerging as a promising technique. Each imaging modality has unique advantages but also suffers from limitations. Furthermore, evidence of the impact of viability imaging on patient outcomes has generally been limited to observational studies. Uncertainty remains regarding the optimal treatment strategy in this patient subset. This review describes the current status of viability imaging and revascularization in chronic moderate-to-severe ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
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