Enhancing Cardiac Diagnosis in Gland Disorders with Dual-Modality Imaging

Recent advancements in medical imaging have introduced a powerful dual-modality approach that significantly improves the diagnosis and classification of gland-related disorders impacting the heart. Combining PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) techniques—specifically ⁶⁸Ga-Pentixafor PET/MR for adrenal gland assessment and ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CMR for myocardial evaluation—this integrated method allows clinicians to precisely locate and quantify heart tissue damage associated with disorders like primary aldosteronism. The innovative approach provides detailed insights into the presence of aldosterone-producing adenomas and helps quantify myocardial fibrosis, which can be reversed after targeted adrenal surgery, as evidenced by follow-up imaging showing fibrosis regression. This comprehensive imaging strategy not only aids in accurate diagnosis and subtype classification but also evaluates the effectiveness of treatments, ultimately guiding personalized therapeutic interventions. The promising results from a study involving patients with primary aldosteronism and hypertension suggest that this technique could revolutionize how cardiovascular complications in gland disorders are managed. Presented at the 2025 Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Annual Meeting, this research underscores the potential for routine clinical adoption and improved patient outcomes.