Fabien Hyafil

The non-invasive assessment of ischaemic heart disease with myocardial perfusion imaging remains an integral part of modern cardiology. This modality has been used for decades, but improving technology has maintained its relevance today. This document describes the fundamentals of single-photon emission computed tomography, including stress protocols, tracer pharmacodynamics, camera settings and capabilities, post-acquisition processing, and clinical translation in an easy to read and highly pictorial manner to be applicable to not only healthcare providers of all levels, but patients as well.

Cardiovascular imaging has rapidly advanced over the past decades. Traditional imaging techniques such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance are essential for assessing the structural and functional aspects of the cardiovascular system but often fall short in providing direct insights into disease activity. This gap is increasingly being bridged by molecular nuclear imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography, which enable the visualization of disease processes at the molecular and cellular levels. This review highlights the role of cardiovascular molecular imaging, emphasizing its current and potential applications in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disease. With advancements in positron emission tomography scanners, novel radiotracers, and sophisticated imaging software, molecular imaging is set to play an essential role in precision medicine by enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms, accelerating the development of targeted therapies, and facilitating personalized patient care.