Positron emission tomography (PET) represents the most advanced scintigraphic imaging technology. This technology is being employed for cardiovascular research as well as for clinical applications in patients with various cardiovascular diseases. Together with a considerable number of radiopharmaceuticals, PET allows the noninvasive assessment of myocardial perfusion, myocardial substrate metabolism, and cardiac innervation. This article will briefly review the various aspects of scintigraphic tissue characterization provided by this technology in the heart.
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