Cardiovascular Nuclear Medicine: A New Look at an Old Problem

Abstract

Radioactive tracers were 1st used to investigate cardiovascular physiology in 1927. Since that time, many procedures have been developed to measure perfusion to the myocardium and the function of the heart. The site and extent of both fixed and transient changes in regional perfusion can be detected noninvasively with monovalent cationic tracers. Study of both the total function of the heart, such as cardiac output, and ejection fraction of both ventricles and the regional function such as wall motion measurements can be readily performed following i.v. administration of tracers. These tests are useful in evaluating patients with suspected or proved coronary artery disease.