Of the non-invasive methods, FDG PET has shown the best accuracy for evaluating the viability of myocardium.
In other words, FDG PET is the "gold standard" in this field. By using FDG PET, it can be determined whether the function of the myocardium might be expected to be improved after coronary revascularization or there is permanent damage to the myocardium which cannot be improved by surgery.
PET/CT examinations open up new dimensions of diagnosis of cardiological diseases, since the fused image shows both the anatomy of coronary vessels and regional perfusion of myocardium. In an additional examination, viability of the myocardium can be studied as well. Myocardial perfusion examinations performed by PET/CT can provide precise results in cases where prior ECG treadmill tests and SPECT examinations are unable to provide diagnosis.