Noninvasive radionuclide imaging in the patient with cardiovascular disease.

Several radionuclide procedures allow noninvasive evaluation of cardiac performance, regional myocardial perfusion, and detection of myocardial infarction. Radionuclide angiocardiography, combined with ''hot spot'' and ''cold spot'' imaging provide a broad assessment of cardiac function. However, it is important to remember that these techniques are still relatively new and clinical applicability will necessitate furter investigation. Additional advances in radiopharmaceutical development and instrumentation improvement certainly will be forthcoming. Even in light of these limitations, a great deal of clinically relevant data can be obtained today.