Which isotope is used for PET cardiac imaging along with Rubidium-82?

Nitrogen-13 is indeed commonly used alongside Rubidium-82 for PET cardiac imaging due to its favorable properties for assessing myocardial perfusion. Nitrogen-13 is a positron-emitting isotope with a half-life of about 10 minutes, making it suitable for use in a clinical setting where timely imaging is essential. When combined with a radiopharmaceutical, Nitrogen-13 can effectively provide images that reflect the blood flow to the heart muscle, aiding in the diagnosis of various cardiac conditions.

In the context of PET imaging for cardiac applications, Rubidium-82, another isotope with a relatively short half-life, is utilized to measure myocardial blood flow. Both isotopes help provide a comprehensive assessment of myocardial perfusion, crucial for detecting conditions such as coronary artery disease and other cardiac anomalies. The combination of these isotopes allows for a dynamic assessment of how well blood is flowing through the heart during different phases of stress and rest.

The other isotopes listed do not have the same specific application or efficiency in this context. Carbon-14, while useful in various fields, is typically not utilized for cardiac imaging in PET. Oxygen-15, though it plays a role in PET and could theoretically be used in cardiac assessments, is more often associated with brain