PET Imaging in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Narrative Review with Focus on Novel PET Tracers

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system inflammatory disease characterized by the development of inflammation and noncaseating granulomas that can involve nearly every organ system, with a predilection for the pulmonary system. Cardiac involvement of sarcoidosis (CS) occurs in up to 70% of cases, and accounts for a significant share of sarcoid-related mortality. The clinical presentation of CS can range from absence of symptoms to conduction abnormalities, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular disease, and sudden cardiac death. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with CS, timely diagnosis is important. Traditional imaging modalities and histologic evaluation by endomyocardial biopsy often provide a low diagnostic yield. Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) has emerged as a leading advanced imaging modality for the diagnosis and management of CS. This review article will summarize several aspects of the current use of PET in CS, including indications for use, patient preparation, image acquisition and interpretation, diagnostic and prognostic performance, and evaluation of treatment response. Additionally, this review will discuss novel PET radiotracers currently under study or of potential interest in CS.