The images depict glucose metabolism within the myocardium. Images above are long axis images from the Glucose metabolism study. Images above are long axis images from the perfusion study. Images above are short axis images from the Glucose metabolism study. Images above are short axis images from the perfusion study.
Diminished perfusion is noted in the anterior, anteroseptal, and anteroapical walls.
However, the glucose metabolism in these areas is relatively greater than the perfusion suggesting viability in the anterior, anteroapical and to a lesser degree in the anteroseptal region. Myocardial viability is a vital factor in estimating the prognostic success of coronary bypass. Normally the myocardium utilizes short-chain fatty acids for metabolism. Ischemic myocardium shifts to glucose metabolism.