Myocardial Viability

Uses for P.E.T. in evaluation of myocardial viability

• Determine the extent of heart muscle metabolism
• Evaluate the matching of metabolism and flow in the myocardium

Example Case Study

• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Disease

How are Myocardial Viability P.E.T. studies performed?

PET can determine the extent of heart muscle metabolism. The technologist will give a small, safe quantity of a radiotracer by IV injection. Typically this radiotracer is [18F]FDG. Since the heart muscle or myocardium will utilize glucose (or sugar), the PET study is used to locate areas of viable myocardium. The patient is comfortably positioned on the imaging bed in the PET scanner approximately 40 minutes after injection. The scan typically takes between 30-40 minutes, to acquire, but can vary between individual patients.

What the patient needs to know.

• Nothing by mouth for 4 hours before appointment except water with medication
• Patient will need IV
• Scanning time is 1-2 hours
• Total time in P.E.T. Imaging Center is 2-3 hours
• No after effects from injection or imaging
• May return to normal activity immediately after P.E.T. scan is completed
• P.E.T. nurse will call patient the day before the scan to answer questions concerning procedure
• Diabetic patients need special preparation prior to imaging. Ideal blood glucose is less than 150 mg.dl. on arrival in P.E.T. Imaging Center.

P.E.T is located in the lower level of Pappajohn Pavilion across from elevator I. Call 319-356-4101 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday to schedule a P.E.T. study.More Schudeling Information

Other Types Of Imaging Done at PET

Brain Disease

Oncology