Recent paradigm shifts in molecular cardiac imaging—Establishing precision cardiology through novel ¹⁸F-labeled PET radiotracers

In nuclear cardiology, numerous single-photon emission computed tomography radiotracers have been advocated to reflect various cardiac metabolic and functional conditions, but positron emission tomography (PET) may offer a more thorough evaluation, mainly due to superior characteristics associated with the latter imaging modality. This shift in recent years has been fueled by the introduction of ¹⁸F-labeled PET radiotracers. Due to physical and chemical key properties, these imaging agents allow for more flexibility of imaging protocols and a better employment in the clinic. Potentially rendering perfusion, viability, innervation and inflammation, ¹⁸F-labeled PET radiotracers may truly pave the way for a global assessment of the current metabolic and functional status of the heart, e.g. after acute myocardial infarction or for progressed heart failure. The present review aims to provide a precise overview of those recently introduced ¹⁸F-labeled cardiac imaging agents and how those state-of-the-art, top-tier radiotracers may redefine precision medicine in cardiology.