- NewMedd Diagnostics: 59, 3d Cross, Yadavagiri, Near Sunanda School, Mysuru
Cardiac SPECT
Understanding Cardiac SPECT
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) is a non-invasive procedure utilized to assess significant coronary artery disease (CAD). This diagnostic and prognostic examination determines the extent and location of impaired blood flow to the heart, as well as evaluates pumping function and the presence of scarred heart tissue. A small amount of radiotracer is injected intravenously during both resting and stress states, achieved through physical exertion (such as treadmill exercise) or pharmacological stress. Throughout the procedure, blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring are conducted. Healthy heart muscle, receiving adequate blood flow, will accumulate more of the radiotracer compared to regions supplied by diseased coronary arteries.
MPI: Comprehensive Insight in One Scan
Resting ECG
Stress ECG
Blood flow to the heart at rest and during stress
Left ventricular pumping function, including ejection fraction, wall motion, and wall thickening
Assessment of viable versus scarred heart muscle
Offering enhanced diagnostic precision compared to standard stress tests, abnormal perfusion scans strongly indicate coronary artery disease (CAD). MPI plays a crucial role in determining whether patients should undergo angiograms, angioplasty, bypass surgery, or medical management. It’s also instrumental in monitoring the effectiveness of these treatment approaches.MPI and coronary angiography (conventional or CT) provide complementary yet distinct information for diagnosing and evaluating CAD. While coronary angiography detects atherosclerosis, MPI assesses ischemia’s hemodynamic significance, guiding further therapeutic strategies. Notably, patients with angiographically confirmed CAD but negative MPI results exhibit similarly low event rates.
MPI stands as the most prevalent nuclear imaging study in the US, with approximately 10 million procedures conducted annually. It’s deemed the preferred test for evaluating intermediate-risk CAD patients before considering angiography, endorsed by esteemed societies like the American College of Cardiology Foundation, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Heart Association, and others.At NewMedd Diagnostics, we utilize a dual-head gamma camera for rapid acquisition, ensuring patient comfort and minimizing motion artifacts. Advanced software tools like xeleris and Emory Cardiac ToolBox enable us to obtain three-dimensional heart images, depicting stress and resting blood flow. Quantitative parametric assessment and scoring enhance interpretation accuracy.
Indications for MPI
Screening for Ischemic Heart Disease
- Baseline ECG abnormalities
- False-positive/negative Stress (TMT) test
- Pharmacological stress in unfit patients
- High-risk individuals
- Preoperative workup for major non-cardiac surgeries
Resting MPS
- Recent heart attack without primary revascularization
- Recent chest pain with negative cardiac enzymes
- Elevated cardiac enzymes without chest pain
Heart Failure Patients
- To differentiate ischemic vs. non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
Viability Studies
- Before angioplasty/bypass surgery
- Through MPI, we deliver comprehensive insights, aiding in precise diagnosis and informed treatment decisions.