Applications of PET-MR Imaging in Cardiovascular Disorders

Abstract

Cardiac PET/MR imaging is an integrated imaging approach that requires less radiation than PET/computed tomography and combines the high spatial resolution and morphologic data from MR imaging with the physiologic information from PET. This hybrid approach has the potential to improve the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of several cardiovascular conditions, such as ischemic heart disease, infiltrative diseases such as sarcoidosis, acute and chronic myocarditis, and cardiac masses. Herein, the authors discuss the strengths of PET and MR imaging in several cardiovascular conditions; the challenges and potential; and the current data on the application of this powerful hybrid imaging modality.

Keywords: Cardiac MR imaging; Cardiac PET; Cardiac PET/MR imaging; Cardiac masses; Ischemic heart disease; Myocardial viability; Sarcoidosis.