State of the Art Hybrid Technology: SPECT/CT

Several technological advancements have been observed in the field of cardiovascular imaging in recent years. In particular, the integration of nuclear medicine cameras with multidetector computed tomography scanners provides a unique opportunity to examine cardiac and vascular anatomic abnormalities, on one hand, and their physiological consequences, on the other, during the same examination. Moreover, fusion imaging between computed tomography coronary angiography and single-photon emission computed tomography are merged into a single image, enhancing the clinician’s ability to determine the functional consequences of a coronary stenosis. Finally, the marked increase in the volume of conventional imaging tests in the past few years has contributed to a marked rise in health care costs. In the future, new imaging tests must demonstrate their ability to enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes, while remaining cost-effective, before being approved for widespread use. To this end, validation in sound clinical research outcomes studies will be fundamental.