Radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis of heart disease

Since the first application of radionuclides in cardiology, fifty years ago, a lot of invasive and noninvasive techniques have been developed. Invasive methods, performed in the catheterization room, have increased our comprehension of physiopathological mechanisms in congestive heart failure and coronary insufficiency. Noninvasive methods have allowed assessment of regional left ventricular wall motion and ejection fraction of myocardial perfusion at rest and after exercise and of intracardiac shunts, in ambulatory patients. Most of these methods have been developed in the last two decades, and particularly in the last few years. Technical improvements, like scintillation cameras, computers and short-lived tracers, have considerably improved their possibilities. Newer techniques, like positron imaging with three-dimensional reconstruction, current use of ultra-short life indicators and further refinements in radio-immunoassays, will undoubtedly increase our fundamental and clinical knowledge of congenital and acquired heart diseases.SCOPUS: re.j