Myocardial Viability (PET/CT Assessment)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), utilizing 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), is a well-recognized method to assess myocardial viability. FDG uptake equates with viability, and as many as 30%-50% of regions felt to be scar by standard nuclear tests are found to be viable with PET/CT.
Additionally, categorization of myocardium as viable versus non-viable has important prognostic implications. The identification of viability on the PET/CT scan recommends revascularization, resulting in functional as well as symptomatic improvement in many patients.