Positron emission tomography (PET) has been the “silent gold standard” for years in the field of cardiac imaging.  Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi has one of the only cardiac PET scanners in North Mississippi.  Rubidium-82 is the imaging agent used.  It has a half-life of 75 seconds, making pharmacologic imaging necessary.  The patient lies comfortably, with their head outside of the scanner, for 30 minutes and images obtained before and after lexiscan, the pharmacologic agent of choice at this time.  PLEASE LET THE DOCTOR KNOW IF YOU ARE CLAUSTROPHOBIC.

This device is used to detect ischemia and/or scar in patients.  PET offers additional benefits in comparison to past forms of nuclear testing. As mentioned, the total procedure takes 30 minutes compared to 3-4 hours for nuclear testing.  PET using rubidium-82 has less radiation exposure to the patient and staff.  PET also provides better images in obese patients or those with breast implants/large breasts.