Cardiovascular PET/MR: We need evidence, not hype.

Recent introduction of hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) scanners has created excitement regarding potential applications in cardiovascular medicine. This has led to a number of optimistic assessments of its potential value in the nuclear cardiology literature, although most published data are still at the feasibility or pre-clinical level. Such excitement is understandable and provides "fuel" for generation of the necessary clinical validation studies, which will be required. Given the current scrutiny from payers and government agencies to reduce the costs of cardiac imaging, the responsibility for showing additive benefit lies on the shoulders of those advocating for new, more expensive technologies. In the case of PET/MR, this will be a major challenge, given the high costs of the hybrid procedure and the need for potentially harmful ionizing radiation compared to a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-only approach. The aim of this editorial is to provide a critical appraisal of the current evidence base for clinical use of PET/MR in cardiology.

Duke Scholars

Author Afshin Farzaneh-Far Medicine, Cardiology