Novel Depiction of Collateral Flow in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Using 4D Dynamic 82 Rb PET/CT.

ABSTRACT: CT pulmonary angiogram and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy are the 2 primary imaging modalities for evaluating patients with CTEPH (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension). PET/CT and MRI currently have a limited role in the evaluation of acute or chronic pulmonary embolism. We present incidentally captured dynamic pulmonary perfusion images in a patient with history of CTEPH who underwent 82 Rb myocardial perfusion PET/CT for evaluation of chest pain. Analysis of the PET data revealed delayed perfusion of the affected lobes suggesting collateralization, highlighting a potentially new imaging paradigm for assessment of pulmonary perfusion.