The second edition of this Open Access book presents an expanded portfolio of examples of positron emission tomography coupled with computed tomography (PET/CT) studies in various cardiac conditions, providing a rationale for the implementation of this technology in an array of clinical conditions.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major contributor to premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are particularly affected by CVDs, with more than 75% of all CVD deaths occurring in these regions. Consequently, target 3.4 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda aims for a 30% reduction in premature mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including CVDs, by 2030.

Among CVDs, ischaemic heart disease (IHD) plays a significant role. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), IHD was responsible for 15.96% of global deaths in 2017. Between 2000 and 2017, the number of IHD deaths worldwide increased by 0.26% per year.

Several imaging tools help to non-invasively diagnose, stratify risk and guide management in cardiac disease. These include nuclear cardiology techniques, using either SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) or PET/CT. While myocardial imaging with SPECT has been fully embraced by the cardiology community and is widely available worldwide, the introduction of PET/CT has been slower due not only to its higher costs but also to the limited availability of PET/VCT scanners, mostly utilized for oncological applications.

This book is an invaluable tool for nuclear medicine physicians, cardiologists and radiologists.

Chapter 1. Basic principles of cardiac PET