Diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multislice computed tomographic coronary angiography in patients with an intermediate pretest likelihood for coronary artery disease.

Data on the diagnostic accuracy of multislice computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA) have been mostly derived from patients with a high pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease. Systematic comparisons with invasive angiography in patients with an intermediate pretest likelihood are scarce. The purpose of the present study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CTA in patients without known coronary artery disease with an intermediate pretest likelihood.

Quantitative gated SPECT-derived phase analysis on gated myocardial perfusion SPECT detects left ventricular dyssynchrony and predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Unlabelled: The significance of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony for the prediction of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been demonstrated. Parameters reflecting LV dyssynchrony (phase SD, histogram bandwidth) can be derived from gated myocardial perfusion SPECT (GMPS) using phase analysis. The feasibility of LV dyssynchrony assessment with phase analysis on GMPS using Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS) software has not been demonstrated in patients undergoing CRT.

Nuclear imaging in heart failure.

Heart failure is becoming the main clinical challenge in cardiology in the twenty-first century and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, several therapeutic options are available for heart failure patients, including medical therapy, revascularization, advanced cardiac surgery, device therapy, and cardiac transplantation. Future therapies are directed at cell and gene therapy.

Role of nuclear imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an integrated treatment option for patients with drug-refractory heart failure. Selection of patients for CRT is based on moderate-to-severe heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class III or IV), depressed left ventricular (LV) systolic function of 35% or below and prolonged QRS interval of 120 ms or more. However, 30-40% of selected patients do not exhibit improvement in heart failure symptoms or LV systolic performance.

Myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography for the assessment of mechanical dyssynchrony.

Purpose Of Review: Assessment of left ventricular dyssynchrony is important in the selection of patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this review, the role of nuclear imaging [particularly gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (GMPS)] for assessment of cardiac dyssynchrony is discussed. In addition, the role of positron emission tomography for evaluation of effects of CRT is addressed.