Night Building Banner
Our Services

Cardiology PET/CT

Advanced PET/CT Imaging for the Heart

Cardiac PET/CT is an advanced molecular imaging technique used to assess physiological processes within the heart, including myocardial blood flow, perfusion, metabolism, and other cardiac functions. Depending on the radiopharmaceutical and examination performed, cardiac PET/CT can provide information that helps physicians evaluate how well blood is reaching the heart muscle, assess myocardial viability, and investigate selected inflammatory and other cardiac conditions. 

At Tawam Molecular Imaging Centre (TMIC), specialized cardiac PET/CT imaging supports the assessment of patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease and other cardiac conditions where molecular imaging may provide clinically relevant information. 

What Is Cardiac PET/CT Used for? 

Cardiac PET/CT may help physicians: 

  • Evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle. 
  • Assess myocardial perfusion at rest and during pharmacological stress. 
  • Identify areas where blood flow to the myocardium may be reduced. 
  • Support the assessment of suspected or established coronary artery disease. 
  • Evaluate myocardial viability in selected patients. 
  • Provide information that may contribute to diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and treatment planning. 

The specific examination and radiopharmaceutical are selected according to the patient’s clinical history, suspected condition, and the clinical question being investigated. 

TMIC provides a range of specialized cardiac PET/CT examinations. The appropriate study is selected according to the patient’s clinical indication and the information required by the referring physician. 

Cardiac PET/CT Studies 
PET CT - Cardiac Perfusion Rest & Stress + Myocardial Viability 
PET CT - Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Rest & Stress 
PET CT - Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Rest + Myocardial Viability 
PET CT - Cardiac Inflammation (Cardiac Sarcoidosis) 
PET CT - Cardiac Inflammation (Endocarditis) 

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging 

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a nuclear imaging test that evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle. It can help identify areas that may not be receiving adequate blood supply and assess differences in myocardial blood flow between rest and stress.  

Cardiac PET can provide information about myocardial blood flow and perfusion, helping physicians assess whether different areas of the heart muscle are receiving an adequate blood supply. It may be used in the evaluation of suspected or established coronary artery disease, including situations where reduced blood flow may contribute to symptoms such as chest discomfort. MPI does not directly visualize the coronary arteries. Instead, it provides information about blood flow to the heart muscle, which can help identify areas of reduced perfusion and support further clinical evaluation. 

At TMIC, 13N-ammonia (13N-NH3) is produced for cardiac PET imaging. This radiopharmaceutical can be used to assess myocardial perfusion at rest and during pharmacological stress in patients with suspected or established coronary artery disease. During a stress examination, a pharmacological stress agent is administered to temporarily increase blood flow through the coronary circulation. PET imaging is then performed under stress and at rest, allowing physicians to compare myocardial blood flow under these different conditions. 

The specific examination and protocol are determined according to the patient’s clinical history and the clinical question being investigated. 

Cardiac Amyloid Imaging

Cardiac amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal proteins called amyloid accumulate in the heart. Over time, this accumulation can affect the structure and function of the heart and may require specialized diagnostic evaluation. Molecular imaging can support the assessment of suspected cardiac amyloidosis by providing information about amyloid involvement in the heart. Cardiac amyloid imaging can complement other clinical assessments and investigations, helping physicians build a more complete picture of the patient’s condition. At Tawam Molecular Imaging Centre (TMIC), cardiac amyloid imaging is available as part of the centre’s specialized cardiac molecular imaging offering. 

Your physician recommends cardiac amyloid imaging when there is a clinical reason to investigate possible amyloid involvement of the heart. The appropriate imaging examination will depend on your symptoms, medical history, previous investigations, and the clinical question being addressed. 

Night Building

Cardiac Imaging at TMIC

TMIC provides specialized cardiac PET/CT imaging as part of its molecular imaging services. Our cardiac imaging services include myocardial perfusion PET/CT and cardiac amyloid imaging, with the appropriate examination selected according to the patient’s clinical indication. 

Our integrated molecular imaging infrastructure, including on-site radiopharmaceutical production capabilities, supports the delivery of specialized cardiac PET/CT services in Al Ain. 

What to Expect 

  • Before your examination, our team will review your clinical information and provide instructions specific to your cardiac PET/CT scan. 
  • The radiopharmaceutical is administered, usually through an intravenous injection. Depending on the examination, images may be acquired during both resting and pharmacological stress conditions. 
  • You will lie still on the PET/CT scanner while images are acquired. The PET component provides information about the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical and cardiac function, while CT provides anatomical information. 
  • The total time required at the centre can vary depending on the specific cardiac examination being performed. 

Patient Preparation 

  • Preparation requirements depend on the type of cardiac PET/CT examination and the radiopharmaceutical being used. 
  • Our team will provide you with detailed instructions before your appointment. These may include guidance regarding food and drink, caffeine, medications, and physical activity. 
  • It is important to follow the instructions provided by the centre. Inform the team about your medications, medical conditions, allergies, and any previous cardiac investigations before your examination. 
  • If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform the team before your appointment. 

After Your Scan 

Following your examination, our team will provide any necessary post-scan instructions. Unless advised otherwise, patients can generally return to their normal activities after the examination. 

The acquired images will be reviewed by the appropriate specialist, and the findings will be reported according to the centre’s clinical reporting process. 

Have Questions About Your Cardiac PET/CT? 

If you have questions about your PET/CT examination, preparation, or what to expect, our team is here to help. 

Contact TMIC to learn more about oncology PET/CT imaging or to enquire about an appointment. 

Request a Call

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you take the next step in your health journey with confidence.

Request a Callback Call: 80077 Email: info@tmic.ae