Risk stratification of coronary artery disease using radionuclides. Current status of clinical practice

Abstract

A discussion is presented on the current use of radioisotopes for evaluation of coronary artery disease in relation to other available techniques. The review is focused on coronary artery disease risk stratification employing single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography, as well as on ischaemic cardiomyopathy and myocardial viability applications. Concepts are presented regarding coronary blood flow reserve, diagnostic and prognostic values, criteria for its appropriate use, as well as current methods to reduce unnecessary patient irradiation, in order to optimise nuclear cardiology practice.

Keywords: Cardiac PET; Cardiac SPECT; Cardiovascular risk factor; Coronary artery disease; Enfermedad coronaria; Estratificación de riesgo; Factor de riesgo cardiovascular; PET cardíaco; Risk stratification; SPECT cardíaco.