Cardiovascular PET/MRI: Technical Considerations and Outlook

AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe aim to provide insights into current and future applications of cardiac PET/MRI and the logistical issues one should consider when implementing a program using this still novel technology.Recent FindingsSince their introduction around 15  years ago, PET/CT and SPECT/CT hybrid imaging devices saw high clinical utilization, which was driven clearly by oncology. Fortunately, the basic availability in a clinical setting enabled the investigation of the cardiac imaging perspective and facilitated numerous research activities. Given the fact that cardiac MRI is a very attractive research field with an increasing clinical utilization, PET/MRI raised the expectation of innovative imaging scenarios with synergistic applications. Integrating molecular imaging with a multitude of PET agents and the high temporal and spatial resolution o f MRI are ideally suited for novel applications having especially a reduced burden of ionizing radiation and potentially a lack of contrast media in mind.SummaryThe technical complexity and consequentially the considerable amount of monetary investment resulted until today in a limited availability and experience. However, the potential of these systems are currently unsurpassed as they really implement a “best of both worlds” approach.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research