Use of radiolabeled compounds and imaging as cardiac biomarkers

Abstract

Specific molecules that are labelled with radioactive isotopes can be injected in very small quantities into a living organism for in vivo, minimally invasive imaging without evoking a physiologic response. These molecules are aptly referred to as tracers, and images of their biodistribution provide information on the presence of disease and insight into biochemical processes. A wide range of tracers and applications have been developed for cardiac indications, and ongoing research is expending the field. This chapter summarizes current applications and the state of the art of radiolabeled compounds in imaging of cardiac biomarkers.