Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025

High-Resolution Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Small Animals
Published on: December 16, 2022
SPECT Versus PET Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Patients with Equivocal CT
Vasvi Singh1,2,3, Marcelo F Di Carli4,5,6,7
1Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Departments of Radiology and Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The most pertinent clinical question in post-coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) patients is the assessment of the physiological significance of an anatomically identified stenosis. The clinical application of radionuclide MPI using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) versus positron emission tomography (PET) in the evaluation and management of patients with an inconclusive CCTA is reviewed using a case-based approach.
Recent Findings:
Recent evidence suggests that CCTA is the most sensitive non-invasive test to exclude angiographic CAD and may be an effective first-line test especially among symptomatic low-intermediate risk patients. However, in the presence of angiographic atherosclerosis, its specificity and positive predictive value for identifying flow-limiting stenosis are modest. Radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging offers accurate quantitative assessment of myocardial ischemia, which helps with risk stratification and patient management especially the potential need for revascularization. Routine accurate quantifications of myocardial blood flow and flow reserve are major advantages of PET MPI, which are especially useful when used in patients at intermediate-high clinical risk.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

