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Molecular imaging to predict ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Journal of Nuclear Cardiology Aims and scope

Abstract

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with heart failure (HF). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure class according to the New York Heart association (NYHA) are in most common use to identify patients that may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy. But during 3 years of follow up only 35% of patients receive appropriate ICD action. Therefore, there is a continued need for refinement of selection criteria for ICD implantation. In this regard, molecular imaging of the autonomic nervous system, which plays a central role in HF progression and cardiac electro-mechanical regulation, can make a substantial contribution. This article reviews the currently available literature concerning the value of molecular neuronal cardiac imaging for prediction of ventricular arrhythmias in HF patients.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany

    Tim Wollenweber MD & Frank M. Bengel MD, FAHA

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  1. Tim Wollenweber MD
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  2. Frank M. Bengel MD, FAHA
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Correspondence to Frank M. Bengel MD, FAHA.

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Wollenweber, T., Bengel, F.M. Molecular imaging to predict ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure. J. Nucl. Cardiol. 21, 1096–1109 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-014-9975-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-014-9975-4

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