Download Positron Emission Tomography (PET Imaging)

 Positron Em ission Tom ography (PET Im aging)
W hat Is It?
PET is currently used in cardiology to determine both adequate coronary arterial perfusion
(blood flow), and whether a specific portion of the heart muscle is alive (viable). The FDG
viability study will help determine if a revascularization (i.e. angioplasty or bypass) procedure
can be performed to help restore blood flow to the area of the heart that has a decrease of
blood flow. This procedure is performed in conjunction with a Rubidium 82 (tracer).
W hat Do I Do?
Non-Diabetic Patients:
■ Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day prior to the scheduled test.
■ Do not eat or drink caffeine products (pop, coffee, tea, chocolate) for 24 hours before
the test.
■ Unless directed by your physician, do not take any beta blockers or blood pressure
medication the evening prior to and the morning of the scheduled test.
■ Bring your morning medication and a list of all current medications.
■ Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and exercise shoes.
■ You may drive yourself to and from the test.
Diabetic Patients:
Same as for Non-Diabetic with the following exceptions:
■ Morning Exam: Half dose diabetic medication and no food or drink after midnight
■ Afternoon exam: Full dose of diabetic medication, breakfast and then no food or drink
W hat W ill Happen?
We will obtain a brief history emphasizing current symptoms and pertinent family history. A
small intravenous (IV) line is inserted into your arm and electrodes are attached to your chest.
The first dose of imaging agent (Rubidium) is injected through the IV. Resting images are
obtained with the PET camera. A stress test is performed by infusing the stress medication
(Persantine) through the IV. This increases the blood flow through the coronary arteries. This is
done right after the resting images and you will be on the PET camera table the whole time. A
physician or RN, using an EKG during the infusion, continuously monitors you. A second dose
of the imaging agent will be injected through the IV. A second set of images is obtained
immediately.
For viability study, following the rubidium stress test, you will be removed from the imaging
table. You will then receive a finger stick to analyze blood glucose level. Based on the reading,
a protocol will be followed to adjust your glucose level prior to injection of F-18 FDG. Following
the FDG injection and a wait of 30 minutes, you will return to the imaging room and another
series of images will be taken of your heart. The imaging takes approximately 30 minutes. The
test is then complete.
How Long Does It Take?
The entire exam takes three to four hours.