| The
PET images show inadequate blood flow to the heart
during stress undetected by other non-invasive cardiac
tests. |
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Case Study:
PATIENT 1: These PET scans reveal that both
blood flow and metabolism are absent in a large
area of the heart. The absence of metabolism indicates
that the tissue is dead, so a cardiac transplantation
would be the treatment of choice.
PATIENT 2: These PET scans reveal that
blood flow is markedly reduced in a large area
of the heart, but metabolism is maintained. Because
metabolism indicates that the tissue is still
alive, cardiac transplantation is not necessary
for this patient. However, bypass surgery would
improve the function of the heart.
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