| abstract |
A method of detecting endothelin receptor A mediated coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction in an asymptomatic subject is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining sets of noninvasive cardiac PET perfusion images of the subject before and after administration of selective endothelin receptor A (ET A receptor) antagonist. The images are analyzed, including application of applying Markovian homogeneity analysis, and the results are compared to detect improvement, or lack of improvement, of myocardial perfusion homogeneity in the subject. A result of improved myocardial perfusion homogeneity after administration of the antagonist indicates the presence of ET A receptor-mediated microvascular endothelial dysfunction in the subject and indicates therapeutic treatment to improve endothelial function and/or to reduce coronary artery disease risk factors. |