Cardiac hybrid imaging

Cardiac hybrid imaging combines different imaging modalities in a way where both modalities equally contribute to image information. The most common and best-studied approach is to combine computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and myocardial perfusion imaging either with single-photon emission computed tomography or with positron emission tomography (PET). This combination is a promising tool for evaluation of coronary artery disease since it allows visualization of coronary atherosclerotic lesions and their haemodynamic consequences in a single study and it appears to offer superior diagnostic accuracy when compared with stand-alone imaging. More recent applications are a combination of CTCA and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging by using software image fusion and utilization of commercially available hybrid PET/MRI scanners for cardiac applications. Currently, these methods have been reported only as case reports, but several potential applications also in cardiology can be anticipated. The development of new molecular imaging probes will also open completely new possibilities for guidance and monitoring of advanced therapies. This review will focus on the concepts and currently available clinical experiences from cardiac hybrid imaging as well as discuss the potential future applications.