ABSTRACT
Hybrid imaging methods, which combine complementary strengths of different modalities, allow a combination of anatomy with physiology. This chapter covers recent developments in cardiovascular hybrid imaging with a focus of the software techniques such as improved image resolution of positron emission tomography (PET) scanners and software registration techniques for contrast and noncontrast computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and PET data. It describes some recent methods for quantification of hybrid image data. The chapter discusses various clinical and research applications of hybrid cardiovascular imaging and methods for the combination of the coronary CT angiography (CTA) with PET and SPECT for improved diagnosis of the coronary artery disease (CAD) and the combination of the nuclear data with calcium scoring. It also covers emerging applications of vascular imaging with hybrid technology and highlights some possibilities for hybrid cardiac PET/MRI applications.
