Radionuclide Imaging of Heart-Brain Connections

Overview

Journal Cardiol Clin

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Cardiology & Vascular Diseases

Date 2023 Apr 1

PMID 37003682

Authors

Shady Abohashem

Simran S Grewal

Ahmed Tawakol

Michael T Osborne

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The heart and brain have a complex interplay wherein disease or injury to either organ may adversely affect the other. The mechanisms underlying this connection remain incompletely characterized. However, nuclear molecular imaging is uniquely suited to investigate these pathways by facilitating the simultaneous assessment of both organs using targeted radiotracers. Research within this paradigm has demonstrated important roles for inflammation, autonomic nervous system and neurohormonal activity, metabolism, and perfusion in the heart-brain connection. Further mechanistic clarification may facilitate greater clinical awareness and the development of targeted therapies to alleviate the burden of disease in both organs.

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