Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Cardiac Sarcoidosis Scan
Last reviewed
What is this scan?
It is a scan to find and evaluate granulomas in the heart. A granuloma is a small area of inflammation in tissue.
Getting ready for your scan:
- You will have your blood sugar checked when you get to the PET Center. If your blood sugar is above 200, the scan will be rescheduled.
- Dress warm. Do not wear jewelry. Do not wear clothing with metal or zippers.
Food
48 hours before your scan, eat and drink only:
- Plain* meat (pork, chicken, or fish) without breading, 3 to 5 bacon strips
- Plain* eggs
- *Plain means no seasonings, sauces, dressings, or condiments.
- Real butter, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper are okay.
- Drink only plain water, plain black coffee, or plain (unflavored) tea.
- Do not drink sodas, alcoholic beverages, or juices.
Do not eat any:
- Processed foods, like sausage, hot dogs, lunch meat, or fast food
- Vegetables, beans, nuts, or fruit
- Grains, pasta, or baked goods
- Candy, gum, lozenges, or sugar
- Dairy (except butter)
Do not eat for 12 hours before the scan.
- You may drink plain water and plain black coffee (no sweetener, milk, or creamers added).
- If you get food through a tube, stop the tube feeding 6 hours before the scan.
- If you get nourishment through a vein in your arm, such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), stop the infusion 6 hours before the scan.
If you have any other scan today where you are told not to eat or drink for a longer amount of time, follow those instructions.
Medicine
- Take your normal medicines with water before your scan.
- Do not take insulin for 4 hours before your scan.
- If you must take insulin to control your blood sugar levels, do so and call us to reschedule the scan.
- If you wear an insulin pump, stop the pump 4 hours before your scan. If you cannot turn off the pump, keep it at a basal (night) setting for 4 hours before your scan.
What to expect:
- You may be in the PET Center for 2 to 3 hours.
- You will have 2 separate scans:
- In the 1st scan, we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV). We will take a picture for 10 minutes.
- In the 2nd scan, we will put another tracer into your vein. You will wait 60 minutes in a room. We will then scan you with the camera for 20 to 25 minutes.
- After the scan you may:
- Eat and drink as normal
- Do your normal activity
- Drink extra fluids and pee often
Your appointment:
Directions:
- Take Elevator I to the Lower Level (LL).
- Take a left out of the elevator.
- The PET Imaging Center reception is down the hall on the right.
Changes to insurance:
These exams often need pre-authorization. Letting us know about changes before the scan can help lessen delays. If you have any changes to your insurance:
- Call Registration (866-309-0382) before your appointment.
If you cannot do the prep:
- You may not be able to have the scan.
- You may need to be rescheduled.
If you need to cancel:
• Call the PET Center at 319-356-4100