Myocardial perfusion imaging with 13N-Ammonia PET is a strong predictor for outcome☆

Abstract Background/objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term predictive value of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with 13 N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with suspected myocardial perfusion abnormality. At present, outcome data on the predictive value of MPI in 13 N-ammonia PET exist only for rather small patient populations. Methods Cardiac perfusion was assessed in 943 consecutive patients using 13 N-ammonia PET, and follow-up was obtained in 698 (74%). 77 patients who underwent early revascularization ( Results During follow-up (5.7±2.5years), 275 patients had at least 1 cardiac event, including 102 cardiac deaths and 33 non-fatal myocardial infarction. Abnormal perfusion (n=469) was associated with a higher incidence of MACE (P Conclusions Cardiac perfusion findings in 13 N-ammonia PET are strong predictors of long-term outcome.