LVEF-R by PET Scanning Is Powerful Prognostic Indicator

Background: Stress testing with PET has many advantages over traditional nuclear imaging studies. One example is the calculation of the ejection fraction (EF) both at rest and at peak stress. The left ventricular EF reserve (LVEF-R) is defined as the peak EF minus the rest EF (LVEF-R = stress LVEF – rest LVEF), and has important prognostic implications. Objective: To determine if the LVEF-R has a survival impact with early revascularization, and if there is a difference in patients with and without a prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD). Design: Nonrandomized, retrospective observational study. Participants: 14,649 consecutive patients who underwent stress testing with PET imaging using rubidium-82 within the Saint Luke's Health System in Kansas City, Missouri, between 2010 and 2016. Methods: Patients with known cardiomyopathy or unsatisfactory scans were excluded. Pharmacologic PET scans were performed using standard protocols. LVEF-R was calculated in addition to pe more...