Making the Case for PET-CT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: The Gold Standard for Pharmacologic Stress Testing

Making the Case for PET-CT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: The Gold Standard for Pharmacologic Stress Testing is organized by Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) of Philadelphia and will be held on Feb 16, 2023.

Overview:
The CVI’s PET-CT Imaging program includes a discussion PET-CT MPI versus SPECT MPI and Philadelphia cardiologist, Herman Movsowitz, MD and features national thought leader, Robert Bober, MD who will be discussing absolute versus relative perfusion and the mechanisms of angina.

In current clinical practice, SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging [MPI] is the predominant imaging modality used to assess for flow limiting epicardial CAD. However, SPECT MPI has multiple limitations some of which can be improved upon by a newer imaging modality, PET MPI. Many US cardiologists are unaware of the differences between SPECT MPI and PET MPI and when one modality may be preferred over the other.

This educational program addresses the differences between SPECT MPI and PET MPI based on tracer characteristics and camera technology, discusses societal recommendations for their clinical use, and explains the added clinical value of assessing absolute myocardial perfusion in addition to relative perfusion.

Learning Objectives:
After attending the CVI’s PET-CT Imaging program attendees will be better able to:
• Describe the differences between PET MPI and SPECT MPI based on tracer characteristics
• Describe the differences between PET MPI and SPECT MPI based on camera technology
• Discuss clinical scenarios when PET MPI is preferred over SPECT MPI
• Review the clinical trials that compare SPECT versus PET
• Explain the difference between relative and absolute coronary perfusion
• Describe the clinical utility of PET-CT MPI in assessing absolute coronary perfusion
• Describe the different mechanisms of angina
• Explain coronary flow capacity.