Myocardial perfusion imaging to evaluate the efficacy of medical therapy in patients with coronary artery disease

Myocardial perfusion imaging is commonly used to risk-stratify patients based on the presence and extent of stress-induced myocardial ischemia. Recent studies have shown that both positron and single photon emission tomography techniques can be used to assess the effectiveness of coronary revascularization procedures as well as various anti-ischemic medical therapies on myocardial perfusion. In this regard, perfusion imaging may be used not only to assess initial risk but also to track subsequent risk based on changes in perfusion results following medical and/or interventional therapies. © 2009 Current Medicine Group, LLC.