Nuclear Cardiology for the Prediction of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAbout one-third patients selected for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) based on conventional criteria do not show favourable response. Assessment of cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony by nuclear medicine techniques has generated considerable interest in recent years as an additional tool to improve the outcome of patients submitted to CRT.Recent FindingsSeveral studies in recent years have shown the utility of equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) and gated myocardial perfusion SPECT (GMPS) in predicting response to CRT. Both ERNA and GMPS can assess cardiac mechanical dyssynchrony quantitatively; GMPS in addition can also provide information on the presence of scar and site of the latest mechanical activation, thereby determining the optimal site of lead placement. Limited studies have also shown the utility of gated blood-pool SPECT, gated myocardial PET and cardiac autonomic imaging in predicting response to CRT.SummaryNuclear medicine techniques are useful for prediction of response to CRT.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research