Myocardial Perfusion Imaging for the Evaluation of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women

AbstractPurpose of the ReviewTo review the value of myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurements, as assessed by positron emission tomography (PET), in women with suspected ischemic heart disease.Recent FindingsCFR is a noninvasive measure of coronary vasomotor function that integrates the hemodynamic effects of epicardial coronary stenosis, diffuse atherosclerosis, and microvascular dysfunction on myocardial tissue perfusion and has emerged as an imaging marker of cardiovascular risk, independently of the degree of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).SummaryNormal coronary arteries or nonobstructive CAD is a common finding in women with ischemia. Thus, assessment of risk based on a coronary stenosis approach may fail in women. PET is able to quantify absolute myocardial blood flow and CFR which may help to elucidate other mechanisms involved such as microvascular dysfunction and diffuse epicardial CAD, responsible for the disease in women.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research