Right-ventricular function by nuclear cardiology

PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: Right-ventricular (RV) function has both diagnostic and prognostic relevance; thus the ability to accurately evaluate and quantify the RV is critical. Nuclear techniques provide an accurate and reproducible assessment of RV systolic function. Additionally, nuclear techniques can assess RV physiology, thus providing insight into the pathogenesis of common conditions affecting the RV. In this review, we describe the role of nuclear imaging in assessing RV systolic function, perfusion, and metabolism. RECENT FINDINGS: Nuclear techniques to quantify RV function have been available for many years, but newer methods to evaluate RV function are emerging. Recent investigations into the pathophysiology of RV failure from a variety of causes have identified RV ischemia and alterations in RV metabolism as major contributors. Because nuclear-imaging techniques also allow evaluation of RV ischemia and metabolism, nuclear imaging may allow a comprehensive assessment of RV function and physiology. SUMMARY: In addition to providing a reliable determination of RV systolic function, nuclear-imaging techniques are emerging as clinically useful tools to assess RV perfusion and metabolism. As these novel uses of nuclear imaging for RV assessment continue to be studied and validated across a variety of clinical settings, an expanded role of nuclear imaging of the RV is anticipated.