Prognostic value of adenosine single-photon emission computed tomographic thallium imaging in medically treated patients with angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

This study examined the prognostic value of adenosine single-photon emission computed tomographic thallium imaging in medically treated patients with angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients who underwent coronary revascularization within 3 months of this study were excluded. There were 177 patients aged 64 +/- 11 years; 74 had one-vessel, 57 had two-vessel, and 46 had three-vessel CAD (> or = 50% diameter stenosis). During a mean follow-up of 22 +/- 13 months, there were 14 events (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction). Cox survival analysis with important clinical, catheterization, and scintigraphic variables identified the size of perfusion abnormality as the strongest predictor of events (chi 2 = 9). Life-table analysis showed that patients with perfusion defects of 15% or greater of the myocardium had a worse prognosis than had patients with no or smaller defects (Mantel-Cox statistic = 13; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Thus adenosine single-photo emission computed tomographic thallium imaging provides important prognostic data in medically treated patients with CAD. The extent of thallium abnormality is the most important predictor of events.

Sequential dual-isotope SPECT imaging with thallium-201 and technetium-99m-sestamibi

This study examined the results of sequential SPECT dual-isotope imaging with 201Tl and 99mTc-sestamibi in 148 patients, 114 of whom also had coronary angiography and 34 had < 5% pretest probability for coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

Stress thallium/rest sestamibi was used in 82 patients and rest thallium/stress sestamibi in 66 patients. Coronary angiography showed that 17 patients had no CAD, 27 patients had one-vessel CAD, 41 patients had two-vessel CAD and 29 patients had three-vessel CAD. The thallium study (3 mCi) was always done before the sestamibi study (20-25 mCi). The stress was either symptom-limited treadmill exercise testing or adenosine infusion at a rate of 140 micrograms/kg/min for 6 min.

RESULTS

The study was completed within 2 hr. The stress and rest images were normal in 11 of 17 patients (65%) with no CAD by angiography and in 33 of 34 patients with a low pretest probability of CAD (normalcy rate = 97%). The images were abnormal in 75 patients with CAD (77%). The perfusion pattern was compared to wall motion in 485 segments (97 patients) assessed by contrast ventriculography. There were no or reversible perfusion defects in 357 of 386 segments (92%) with no wall motion abnormality.

CONCLUSION

Sequential dual-isotope imaging is feasible and can be completed in a short period of time and may therefore enhance laboratory throughput and patient convenience.

When is myocardial viability an important clinical issue?

Myocardial viability is a clinically important issue in patients after acute myocardial infarction and in patients with left ventricular dysfunction in the presence or absence of symptoms. With these broad criteria, roughly 10% to 20% of patients with coronary artery disease will be suitable candidates for myocardial viability studies. Techniques that predict improvement in regional or global left ventricular function must be able to detect hibernating myocardium. The improvement observed following coronary revascularization represents a complex interaction between compensatory mechanisms, coronary anatomy, surgical outcome and patient selection.

Thallium-201 uptake in keloid tissue masquerading as a pulmonary neoplasm

Tl-201 imaging is useful in the diagnostic work-up of tumors. However, Tl-201 uptake is not specific for tumor and is also noted in other conditions. A case is described in which Tl-201 was taken up by a keloid.

Biokinetics of thallium-201 in normal subjects: comparison between adenosine, dipyridamole, dobutamine and exercise

There are currently four common types of stress used with thallium-201 imaging in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and risk assessment. The objective of this study was to examine the thallium biokinetics during exercise, adenosine, dipyridamole and dobutamine stress testing in 15 healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Each subject underwent planar 201Tl imaging during maximal treadmill exercise testing, adenosine infusion (140 micrograms/kg/min for 6 min), dipyridamole infusion (142 micrograms/kg/min for 4 min) and dobutamine infusion (40 micrograms/kg/min).

RESULTS

Absolute myocardial thallium activity was greater after pharmacologic testing than exercise, (p < 0.001 each). Thus, the activity was 505 counts/pixel with adenosine, 491 counts/pixel with dipyridamole, 517 counts/pixel with dobutamine and 409 counts/pixel with exercise. The myocardial thallium clearance was lower with pharmacologic testing than exercise; 9.7%/hr with adenosine, 9.9%/hr with dipyridamole, 11.3%/hr with dobutamine and 13%/hr with exercise (p < 0.01 each). The thallium uptake and clearance in the lung and liver were also greater with pharmacologic stress testing than exercise (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, thallium biokinetics are different during pharmacologic stress testing with adenosine, dipyridamole and dobutamine than during exercise. Diagnostic criteria for quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion imaging must therefore be specific for the type of stress used.

Comparison of the treadmill exercise score and single-photon emission computed tomographic thallium imaging in risk assessment

BACKGROUND

This study compared the prognostic value of exercise single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) thallium imaging with that of treadmill exercise score in medically treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The treadmill exercise score was derived from exercise duration, degree of ST segment depression, and the treadmill anginal index. There were 121 patients with no CAD and 316 patients with angiographically defined CAD (> or = 50% diameter stenosis of one or more vessels). During a mean follow-up of 29 months, there were 35 cardiac deaths or nonfatal myocardial infarctions. Multivariate Cox survival analysis showed the extent of thallium imaging abnormality and CAD to be independent predictors of prognosis. On the other hand, the treadmill exercise score was not a significant predictor even on univariate analysis. The results of thallium uptake were the strongest independent predictors of prognosis and in addition provided incremental prognostic power to coronary angiography (chi 2 = 29 for SPECT, 27 for coronary angiography, and 37 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Thus exercise SPECT thallium imaging is significantly better than the treadmill exercise score in risk assessment. The size of the perfusion abnormality is an important predicator of prognosis.

Safety profile of adenosine stress perfusion imaging: results from the Adenoscan Multicenter Trial Registry

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of adenosine infusion at 140 micrograms/kg per min in conjunction with radionuclide imaging in 9,256 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND

Adenosine produces maximal myocardial hyperemia directly with a rapid onset of action. In addition, when used in conjunction with radionuclide perfusion imaging, it has proven efficacy for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients unable to exercise. Because the ultrashort half-life (< 10s) allows dose titration and rapid reversal of side effects, it may be safer than other available pharmacologic agents.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively entered at 21 clinical sites. Information on safety and adverse events during and immediately after adenosine infusion was maintained in the Adenoscan Multicenter Trial Registry.

RESULTS

The infusion protocol was completed in 80% of patients, required dose reduction in 13% and was terminated early in 7%. Interpretable imaging studies were obtained in 98.7% of patients, and 0.8% of patients received aminophylline. Minor and well tolerated side effects were reported in 81.1% of patients. There were no deaths, one myocardial infarction, seven episodes of severe bronchospasm and one episode of pulmonary edema. Transient atrioventricular (AV) node block occurred in 706 patients (first-degree in 256, second-degree in 378 and third-degree in 72) and resolved spontaneously in most patients (n = 508) without alteration in the adenosine infusion. There were no sustained episodes of AV block. Patients > 70 years of age had an increased risk of developing AV block (age < 70, 7.05% vs. > or = 70, 9.44%, p = 0.001, relative risk 1.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Adenosine infusion is safe. Vasodilator and negative dromotropic side effects are generally well tolerated. Serious side effects are relatively rare, and they reverse with termination of adenosine infusion. Interpretable radionuclide studies were obtained in 98.7% of patients and aminophylline reversal was seldom required.

Pharmacologic stress testing: mechanism of action, hemodynamic responses, and results in detection of coronary artery disease

Pharmacologic stress testing may be used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and risk assessment. The stress agents may be divided into those that produce primary coronary vasodilation (dipyridamole, adenosine, or adenosine triphosphate) and those that produce secondary vasodilation as a result of increase in myocardial oxygen demand (dobutamine and arbutamine). Assessment of myocardial perfusion and function can be made by single-photon imaging, positron emission tomography, two-dimensional echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and contrast angiography. For assessment of myocardial perfusion, either thallium 201-labeled or technetium-labeled perfusion imaging agents may be used. This article will focus on the mechanisms of action, hemodynamic responses, and results of pharmacologic imaging in detecting coronary artery disease. The use of pharmacologic stress testing in risk assessment will be discussed in a separate article.

Age- and sex-related differences in the use of coronary angiography in patients undergoing adenosine SPECT thallium imaging

BACKGROUND

Recent reports suggest sex-related differences in the management of patients with coronary artery disease.

METHODS

This study examined the pattern of use of coronary angiography in 535 patients initially referred for adenosine single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) thallium imaging.

RESULTS

Coronary angiography was carried out more often in patients under 70 years of age than those over 70 years of age [107 out of 322 (33%) versus 50 out of 213 (23%), P < 0.01]. Even in patients with abnormal adenosine SPECT thallium results, coronary angiography was less frequently performed in the elderly [40 out of 130 (31%) versus 82 out of 178 (46%), P < 0.01]. Women underwent coronary angiography less often than men [56 out of 261 (21%) versus 101 out of 274 (37%), P < 0.0002]. This difference was due to differences in patients under 70 years of age [31 out of 138 women (22%) versus 76 of 184 men (41%), P < 0.003)], but not in patients over 70 years of age. In patients with abnormal adenosine thallium image results, the difference between men and women was still present: 37 out of 112 women (33%) versus 85 of 196 men (43%) underwent coronary angiography (P = 0.05). Stepwise discriminant analysis of clinical and scintigraphic variables identified four independent predictors of the need for coronary angiography; the abnormal thallium image results (chi 2 = 33, P < 0.0001); the size of the perfusion abnormality (chi 2 = 7, P < 0.01); sex (chi 2 = 7, P < 0.01) and age (chi 2 = 4, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Coronary angiography is less often performed in women and elderly patients even when initial screening results are abnormal. The relation of this observation to subsequent clinical course and events requires further studies.

Simultaneous assessment of left ventricular perfusion and function with technetium-99m sestamibi after coronary artery bypass grafting

This study examined the left ventricular perfusion and EF by using simultaneous SPECT and first-pass radionuclide angiography with technetium 99m sestamibi in 95 patients after uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting. The patients were divided into those with normal EF and no previous myocardial infarction before surgery (group 1, n = 57), and those with abnormal EF or infarction (group 2, n = 38). The SPECT images were normal in 37 patients in group 1 and in 6 patients in group 2 (p < 0.0001). The patients with normal SPECT images had a higher EF after surgery than those with abnormal images (65% +/- 10% vs 50% +/- 14%, p < 0.0001) and was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (64% +/- 8% vs 46% +/- 16%, p < 0.0001). There was a significant correlation between the EF and the extent of perfusion abnormality (r = -0.44, p < 0.0001). The patients with normal SPECT images could not be separated from those with abnormal images based on peak CK, CK-MB, and the electrocardiographic changes. Of the 69 patients with postoperative EF > or = 50%, the perfusion pattern was normal in 41 and abnormal in 28; of the 26 patients with EF < 50%, 24 had abnormal SPECT (p < 0.003). There was no significant change in mean EF after surgery (55% +/- 14% before vs 56% +/- 15% after). Thus simultaneous assessment of left ventricular perfusion and function after coronary artery bypass grafting showed that an abnormal perfusion pattern may exist despite a normal EF. These patients could not be predicted by enzymes or electrocardiographic changes.

Study of myocardial infarct remodeling by single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling after Q-wave anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was examined with single-photon emission computed tomographic thallium imaging. Initial (after adenosine infusion) and 4-hour delayed reinjection images were obtained in 34 patients aged 65 +/- 12 years. Short-axis slices from the delayed images were quantitatively analyzed by measuring the outer and inner diameters, and wall thickness. The results were compared with those in a group of normal subjects. The outer diameter was greater in patients than in normal subjects at the apical, mid- and basal levels (all p < 0.01); the average outer diameter was 16.9 +/- 1.9 mm in patients, and 12.2 +/- 1.3 mm in normal subjects (p < 0.001). Similarly, the inner diameter was greater in patients than in normal subjects at the 3 levels (all p < 0.05); the average inner diameter was 6.5 +/- 1.8 mm in patients, and 4.7 +/- 1.3 mm in normal subjects (p < 0.01). Wall thickness was greater in patients than in normal subjects (5.2 +/- 0.5 vs 3.8 +/- 0.5 mm; p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between LV dilation and time elapsed (in weeks) since AMI (r = 0.57; p < 0.005), and the size of the perfusion abnormality (r = 0.44; p < 0.03). Thus, LV dilation occurs after Q-wave anterior AMI, and is related to infarct size and duration. These changes can be studied by single-photon emission computed tomographic thallium imaging.

Independent and incremental prognostic value of exercise single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) thallium imaging in coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to examine the independent and incremental prognostic value of exercise single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) thallium imaging in patients with angiographically defined coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed the importance of exercise thallium-201 in risk stratification. However, most of these studies used planar imaging techniques.

METHODS

Follow-up data were obtained in 316 medically treated patients with coronary artery disease. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the independent and incremental prognostic values of clinical, exercise, thallium and cardiac catheterization data.

RESULTS

There were 35 events (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction) at a mean follow-up time of 28 months. Univariate analysis showed that gender (chi-square = 5.1), exercise work load (chi-square = 3.1), extent of coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction (chi-square = 14.8) and thallium variables (chi-square = 22.7) were prognostically important. The thallium data provided incremental prognostic value to catheterization data (chi-square = 33.7, p < 0.01). The extent of the perfusion abnormality was the single best predictor of prognosis (chi-square = 14). Patients with a large perfusion abnormality had a worse prognosis than that of patients with a mild or no abnormality (Mantel-Cox statistics = 10.6, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In medically treated patients with coronary artery disease, exercise SPECT thallium imaging provides independent and incremental prognostic information even when catheterization data are available. The extent of the perfusion abnormality is the single most important prognostic predictor.

The role of nuclear imaging in ischemic heart disease

Assessment of myocardial perfusion during exercise and pharmacologic stress testing is an important factor in the detection of coronary artery disease and in risk assessment. Imaging techniques that examine myocardial perfusion and cellular integrity or myocardial metabolism flow mismatches aid in the detection of reversible causes of left ventricular dysfunction. These techniques are also helpful in managing patients after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy.

Variations in the size of the ischemic myocardium due to differences in the normal file

The myocardial thallium concentration is different during pharmacologic than exercise stress testing due to differences in coronary blood flow and cardiac output. These differences may affect the quantitative measurement of the size of ischemic myocardium if a stress-specific normal file is not used. This study examined this concept in 34 patients with isolated left anterior descending coronary artery disease. All patients underwent tomographic thallium imaging during adenosine infusion (140 micrograms/kg/min for 6 minutes). The size of the ischemic myocardium was measured from the polar map using two different normal files; one derived from normal subjects undergoing treadmill exercise testing, and the second from normal subjects undergoing adenosine stress testing. The extent perfusion abnormality was 19 +/- 13% using the exercise file, and 11 +/- 10% using adenosine file (difference; 8.1 +/- 1.6%, P = 0.0001), the severity score was 580 +/- 480 using exercise file, and 310 +/- 310 using the adenosine file (P < 0.001). The differences were present in the 20 patients with moderate stenosis (50 to 70% diameter stenosis); 17 +/- 10% versus 7 +/- 7% (P = 0.001), and in the 14 patients with severe stenosis (> 70% diameter stenosis); 24 +/- 16% versus 18 +/- 10% (P = 0.03). Thus, stress-specific normal file should be used for sizing the perfusion abnormality. The use of exercise file overestimates defect size in patients undergoing pharmacologic stress testing.

Identification of extensive coronary artery disease in women by exercise single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) thallium imaging

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the ability of exercise single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) thallium imaging to identify high risk women with left main or three-vessel coronary artery disease using a stepwise discriminant analysis.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have used statistical methods to identify high risk men with coronary artery disease. Only limited data are available in women.

METHODS

Exercise SPECT thallium imaging and coronary arteriography were performed for evaluation of chest pain in 243 women. Group 1 comprised 58 women with left main or three-vessel coronary disease and group 2 comprised 185 women with no or one- or two-vessel disease. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to determine predictors of left main or three-vessel disease.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, women in group 1 were older (p < 0.03) and had a lower exercise work load (p < 0.02), lower exercise heart rate (p < 0.004), higher prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0003) and more multivessel thallium abnormality (p < 0.0001) compared with women in group 2. On multivariate analysis, only multivessel thallium abnormality (F = 43) and exercise heart rate (F = 6) were independent predictors of left main or three-vessel coronary disease. A model based on these two variables separated the women into three risk groups: 99 patients with 9%, 70 patients with 23% and 74 patients with 45% prevalence of left main or three-vessel disease (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

High risk women with left main or three-vessel coronary disease can be identified by exercise SPECT thallium imaging.

Identification of high-risk patients with left main and three-vessel coronary artery disease by adenosine-single photon emission computed tomographic thallium imaging

The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of SPECT imaging with thallium-201 during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia to detect high-risk patients with left main or three-vessel CAD. There were 339 patients: 102 with either left main or three-vessel CAD (group 1) and 237 with no CAD, one-, or two-vessel disease (group 2). By means of univariate analysis, several variables were found to differ between groups 1 and 2: Q wave myocardial infarction (35% vs 25%, p < 0.05), ST segment depression (35% vs 19%, p < 0.001), age (67 +/- 9 vs 62 +/- 10 years, p < 0.001), resting systolic blood pressure (142 +/- 22 vs 135 +/- 20 mm Hg, p < 0.01), abnormal thallium images (95% vs 74%, p < 0.0001), multivessel thallium abnormality (76% vs 39%, p < 0.0001), extent of thallium abnormality (24 +/- 11% vs 19 +/- 13%, p < 0.0001), and increased lung thallium uptake (39% vs 15%, p < 0.01). According to stepwise discriminant analysis, only three variables were predictors of high risk: multivessel thallium abnormality (chi 2 = 27), increased lung thallium uptake (chi 2 = 10), and ST depression (chi 2 = 5). On the basis of these variables, patients were divided into three groups with different prevalence rates for left main and three-vessel CAD: 63% in 68 patients, 30% in 137 patients, and 13% in 137 patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of high-risk patients with left main and three-vessel coronary artery disease using stepwise discriminant analysis of clinical, exercise, and tomographic thallium data

This large-scale study examined the ability of stepwise discriminant analysis of clinical, exercise, and thallium tomographic data to detect high-risk patients with three-vessel or left main disease. There were 834 patients, 229 with three-vessel or left main disease (group 1) and 605 (group 2) with either two-vessel disease (n = 236), one-vessel disease (n = 195), or no coronary artery disease (n = 174). The two groups were different in age, exercise heart rate, ST segment depression during exercise, exercise systolic blood pressure, abnormal thallium scans, reversible perfusion defects, extent of thallium abnormality, number of vascular territories with perfusion abnormalities, left ventricular cavity dilatation, and increased lung thallium uptake. On multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis, only three variables were independent predictors of high risk. These included multivessel thallium abnormality (F = 107, p < 0.001), exercise heart rate (F = 27, p < 0.001), and ST segment depression (F = 8, p < 0.01). Based on these three variables, patients could be stratified into three categories with different prevalences of left main or three-vessel disease; the prevalence was 53% in 239 patients, 24% in 271 patients, and 12% in 324 patients. Thus high-risk patients with left main or three-vessel disease can be identified by exercise thallium tomographic imaging that uses a model based on stepwise discriminant analysis. The thallium data are far more powerful than the clinical or treadmill exercise data.

Effect of adenosine on coronary blood flow and its use as a diagnostic test for coronary artery disease

Myocardial perfusion imaging during adenosine induced coronary hyperaemia is a highly sensitive method for diagnosing coronary artery disease. Most perfusion defects reflect heterogeneity in coronary blood flow in the territories of normal and diseased coronary arteries. Myocardial ischaemia can occur, however, due to subendocardial hypoperfusion and coronary artery steal. Evidence for myocardial ischaemia is more difficult to document in clinical than in experimental studies, and includes abnormalities in the ST segment, wall motion, haemodynamic variables, metabolism, and coronary blood flow responses. Using these indices, myocardial ischaemia may occur in some patients with coronary artery disease but it is not a prerequisite for the development of perfusion abnormalities and for the diagnosis of coronary artery during adenosine stress testing.

The treadmill exercise score revisited: coronary arteriographic and thallium perfusion correlates

The treadmill exercise score has been used to stratify patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups. This score is derived from ST segment depression, angina, and exercise duration. To determine the coronary arteriographic and exercise thallium perfusion correlates of the score, we examined the extent of coronary artery disease and exercise single photon emission computed thallium-201 results in 834 patients for whom cardiac catheterization data were available. Of those, 174 had no coronary artery disease, 195 had one-vessel, 246 had two-vessel, and 219 had three-vessel disease. Based on the treadmill exercise score, 369 were in the low-risk, 384 in the moderate-risk, and 81 in the high-risk group. The extent of coronary artery disease was 2.1 +/- 1 diseased vessels in the high-risk, 1.7 +/- 1 in the moderate, and 1.4 +/- 1.1 in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). The extent of the thallium abnormality (maximum number of abnormal segments 120/patient) was 10 +/- 6 in the high-risk, 7 +/- 6 in the moderate, and 6 +/- 5 in the low-risk group (p < 0.05). Based on the extent of coronary artery disease and results of thallium imaging, patients were reclassified into three groups: group 1 had three-vessel disease and/or > or = 10 abnormal segments (n = 387), group 3 had no coronary artery disease or one-vessel disease and less than five abnormal segments (n = 212), and the remaining patients were in group 2 (n = 235).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The perfusion pattern in coronary artery occlusion: comparison of exercise and adenosine.p6

This study compared exercise to adenosine thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography in detecting occlusion of left anterior descending or right coronary arteries in patients with no previous myocardial infarction. There were 41 patients who underwent adenosine thallium imaging (adenosine infusion at a rate of 140 micrograms/kg/min for 6 min), and 143 patients who underwent exercise thallium imaging. There were more patients with right coronary than left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. Thus, in the adenosine group, there were 15 patients with left anterior descending artery occlusion, and 26 with right coronary artery occlusion, and in the exercise group, there were 46 patients with left anterior descending artery occlusion, and 97 patients with right coronary artery occlusion. In the adenosine group, the thallium images were abnormal in 41 patients (100%), while in the exercise group, the thallium images were abnormal in 125 patients (87%, P < 0.02) in the territories of the occluded arteries. ST segment depression was noted in 19 patients (46%) in the adenosine group, and 69 patients (48%) in the exercise group (P:NS). In patients with isolated single vessel occlusion, the size of the perfusion abnormality was 28 +/- 9% with adenosine, and 21 +/- 12% with exercise (P:NS). Thus, most patients with occlusion of the left anterior descending or right coronary artery have regional perfusion abnormality during stress; the different role of collaterals with each type of stress may explain the higher percentage of abnormal results with adenosine than exercise.

Technetium-labeled myocardial imaging agents

99mTc sestamibi and 99mTc teboroxime has unique features that differ from thallium-201 in dosimetry, energy, cellular transport, extraction fraction, retention, washout, and imaging protocols. Sestamibi is ideal for gated and SPECT imaging while SPECT imaging with a multi-head detector system is preferred for teboroxime. Both permit simultaneous assessment of perfusion and function using first-pass radionuclide angiography. This paper discusses the special features and clinical applications of these two technetium agents.

Single photon emission computed tomographic teboroxime imaging with a preprocessing masking technique

We previously reported that single-head SPECT imaging with teboroxime is feasible. However, excessive hepatic uptake in some patients may interfere with image interpretation. This study examined the feasibility of improving image quality by use of a preprocessing masking technique to subtract hepatic activity. A band of 10 pixels in width adjacent to the inferior cardiac silhouette was marked on the raw planar images, and then SPECT reconstruction was done with the Butterworth filter with a frequency cutoff of 0.3 cycles/cm and the power of 10. The stress and rest images were compared before and after masking in 10 patients who underwent SPECT teboroxime imaging during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia (140 micrograms/kg/min for 6 minutes). SPECT imaging with a single-head detector was performed with the use of a 180-degree anterior arc (from the 45-degree left posterior oblique projection to the 45-degree right anterior oblique projection); 32 images at 8 seconds per stop were obtained (total imaging time = 6.8 minutes). All images were considered subjectively better after the masking technique was used, especially for assessment of inferior wall perfusion pattern. The maximum count in any pixel was in the hepatic region of interest before masking and in the cardiac region of interest after masking (303 +/- 110 counts vs 166 +/- 55 counts; p < 0.001). The difference was especially pronounced in the images that were obtained when patients were at rest (366 +/- 102 counts vs 184 +/- 64 counts; p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Early thallium imaging after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: tomographic evaluation during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia

This study examined the immediate results of 201Tl imaging during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia in 25 patients with one-vessel coronary artery disease, 4 +/- 3 days after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). There were special features in our study: use of quantitative angiography and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT); a homogeneous group of patients (one-vessel disease) and a uniform stress (adenosine infusion). As a group, quantitative coronary angiography showed a decrease in percent diameter stenosis from 72% +/- 12% to 23% +/- 14%, p < 0.001. The thallium images were normal in 17 patients and abnormal in eight patients. However, of the eight patients, four had residual stenosis either in a secondary branch or downstream; one patient had local dissection (the residual stenosis could not be assessed reliably), two patients had > 50% residual diameter stenosis, and one patient had previous Q-wave myocardial infarction with a corresponding fixed thallium defect. In each of the eight patients with an abnormal image, a logical explanation could be identified. Thus, our results suggest that maximum reactive coronary hyperemia returns to normal immediately after PTCA, and that abnormal thallium results are due to inadequate dilatation or associated lesions.

The clinical relevance of myocardial viability in patient management

This study examined the importance of viability as a clinical issue in 532 patients with angiographically proven CAD who underwent exercise SPECT thallium imaging. Conventional 4-hour delayed images were used to differentiate scar tissue from ischemia (20 segments per patient). There were 90 patients (17%) with normal images, 274 patients (52%) with reversible defects only, and 168 patients (31%) with scar tissue either with or without associated ischemia. The patients with scar tissue were subdivided according to the number of segments with fixed defects and the number of additional reversible defects. There were 114 patients with scar tissue alone or more scar tissue than ischemia. Contrast ventriculography in these 114 patients revealed normal wall motion or ejection fraction in 50 patients. On the basis of results of thallium imaging alone, the issue of viability was probably significant in 114 patients (21%); however, when the ventriculographic data were also included, the issue was significant in only 64 patients (12%) (p < 0.001). Thus myocardial viability is an important issue in 21% of patients with CAD when conventional thallium imaging is used, but this percentage decreases to 12% when wall motion and ejection fraction data are also included. These data may be important in considerations for the need of metabolic imaging and emerging scintigraphic techniques.