Molecular imaging has become central to understanding myocardial perfusion, viability, inflammation, and innervation, making Cardiac PET a powerful tool in complex cardiovascular decision-making. This session explores how positron emission tomography complements other imaging modalities by providing quantitative assessment of blood flow and metabolism. Participants will learn when PET is preferred over SPECT or echocardiography, particularly in multivessel disease, microvascular dysfunction, prior revascularization, and cardiomyopathies with unclear etiology. Practical examples show how PET results shape decisions about revascularization, medical therapy, and long-term risk reduction.

As referral patterns evolve, many clinicians look for a cardiology conference that explains how to use this technology beyond niche indications. This session reviews tracers for perfusion, viability, inflammation, and innervation, highlighting their clinical applications and limitations. Attendees will see how absolute flow quantification and coronary flow reserve refine risk assessment and reveal microvascular disease that is invisible on angiography. Special cases, such as balanced ischemia, transplant vasculopathy, sarcoidosis, and chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity, demonstrate situations in which PET provides unique incremental value.

A key theme is applying PET myocardial perfusion imaging within streamlined diagnostic pathways. Participants will examine protocols that combine stress and rest imaging, attenuation correction, and gated functional analysis to deliver comprehensive reports. The session discusses workflow, including patient preparation, radiation considerations, and collaboration with nuclear medicine teams. Emphasis is placed on clear, actionable reporting that translates PET findings into specific therapeutic recommendations, rather than simply describing abnormalities.

Looking ahead, the session touches on emerging tracers, hybrid PET/CT and PET/MR platforms, and the integration of PET data with AI-driven analysis. Attendees will consider how centers can build or expand cardiac PET programs, including training requirements, referral education, and quality metrics. By the end, participants will have a practical framework for when to order Cardiac PET, how to interpret the results in context, and how to communicate its added value to patients and colleagues.