title: Cardiac molecular imaging.
abstract: Molecular imaging enables the visualization and interrogation of specific biologic targets and pathways that precede or underlie changes in morphology, physiology, and function of the heart. Accordingly, it aims at identifying precursors or early stages of cardiac disease, and it may facilitate monitoring and guidance of novel, increasingly specific and versatile cardiovascular therapies. Although SPECT and PET imaging of myocardial metabolism and autonomic innervation are already embedded in clinical practice, various additional targets, probes, and techniques are under development. These techniques hold promise to become a future key in personalizing cardiovascular care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wollenweber
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. Electronic address: bengel.frank@mh-hannover.de.
authors.forename: Frank M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Bengel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D058948:Cell Tracking; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling