PET/CT Myocardial Sarcoidosis Scan

 

What is a PET/CT Scan?

Your doctor has suggested you have a PET/CT scan of your heart as part of the evaluation at National Jewish. A PET scan is a shortened name for positron emission tomography. A PET scan views functioning tissues in the body. A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. The type of PET/CT scan your doctor recommended will show detailed images and functioning tissues of your heart.

The PET/CT scan can help determine if sarcoidosis has affected your heart. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

 

How do you get ready for the test?

• Avoid carbohydrate sources for 24 hours prior to this test. This includes potato chips, donuts, bagels, pasta, bread, fruits, fruit juice, milk products and a few vegetables (beets, peas, carrots).
• Do not eat or drink after midnight the day the test is scheduled. You may drink water only.
• You will remove some clothing. You will be given a gown to wear.
• Let the technologist know if you are pregnant or nursing.

What is done during the test?

The radiology technologist will explain the PET/CT scan to you before you start. Ask questions if you don't understand. Before the study you will need to remove some clothing. You will be given a hospital gown to wear.

The technologist will start an IV in your arm. You will feel a prick when the IV is started. The IV will be used to give you a liquid radioactive tracer twice. This will help view the functioning tissues of the heart during the scan. You will be given 1 or 2 doses of the radioactive tracer in the IV. You will sit quietly on a recliner for 1 hour after getting the tracer.

After this wait you will have the PET/CT scan. The PET/CT scan does not hurt. During the PET/CT scans you will lie still on a padded table. The technologist will give you instructions during the test. You will be asked to raise your arms above your head during the scan.

 

What should you do after the test?

You can resume normal activities after the PET/CT scan.

 

How long will the test take?

A PET/ CT scan takes about 11/2 to 2 hours.

 

How do you get to your test?

Your appointment is in the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (Radiology). You will be directed where to go when you check-in. If you have any questions you can contact Advanced Biomedical Imaging (Radiology) at 303-398-1611.

This information has been approved by Ann Mullen, RN, MSN, AE-C (November 2008).