Cerebral blood flow and metabolism measurement using positron emission tomography before and during internal carotid artery test occlusions: feasibility of rapid quantitative measurement of CBF and OEF/CMRO(2).

Balloon test occlusion (BTO) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) combined with cerebral blood flow (CBF) study is a sensitive test for predicting the outcome of permanent ICA occlusion. However, false negative results sometimes occur using single photon emission tomography (SPECT). We have recently developed a rapid positron emission tomography (PET) protocol that measures not only the CBF but also the cerebral oxygen metabolism before and during BTO in succession. We measured acute changes in regional CBF and OEF/CMRO(2) before and during BTO in three cases with large or giant cerebral aneurysms using the rapid PET protocol. Although no patients showed ischemic symptoms during BTO, PET studies exhibited mildly to moderately decreased CBF (9∼34%) compared to the values obtained before BTO in all cases. The average OEF during BTO was significantly increased (21% and 43%) than that of before BTO in two cases. The two cases were considered to be non-tolerant for permanent ICA occlusion and treated without ICA sacrifice. Measurement of the CBF and OEF/CMRO(2) using a rapid PET protocol before and during BTO is feasible and can be used for accurate assessment of tolerance prediction in ICA occlusion.

[The accuracy and side effects of pharmacologic stress thallium myocardial scintigraphy with adenosine triphosphate disodium (ATP) infusion in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease].

The diagnostic accuracy and side effects of pharmacologic stress thallium myocardial scintigraphy with ATP infusion were studied in 172 patients with or without coronary artery disease. ATP was infused for five minutes at a rate of 0.16 mg/kg/min (group A) or 0.18 mg/kg/min (group B) via antecubital vein. One hundred and eleven (67 of group A, 44 of group B) of 172 patients underwent coronary arteriography (CAG). In 111 patients received CAG, overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this method were 88%, 84% and 87%, respectively. In 67 patients of group A, these were 92%, 81% and 90%. In 44 patients of group B, 79%, 87% and 82% were documented (NS, between group A and B). Chest pain, flushing, bradycardia and ST depression were included in side effects caused by ATP infusion. At least one of these side effects were observed in 84% of the all 172 patients, 89% of group A and 75% of group B (NS). But, all of the side effects were spontaneously alleviated within two minutes without any therapy. In conclusion, pharmacologic stress myocardial scintigraphy with ATP infusion is very accurate and safe, and infusion rate of 0.16 mg/kg/min is optimal for this purpose.

Use of biplane transesophageal echocardiographic guide in radiofrequency catheter ablation of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with left side Kent bundle.

We report 2 patients with Wolff-parkinson-White Syndrome, who underwent radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation under observation by biplane transesophageal echocardiography. One of the patients had Kent bundle in the lateral wall of the left ventricle, and the tip of the catheter could be easily confirmed with transverse views. Since perforation was observed where the valve was attached to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve during the 39th administration of RF energy, ablation was discontinued. The other patient had Kent bundle in the posterior septum of the left ventricle. The tip of the catheter could be easily confirmed with sagittal views. Ablation was successful after the 4th administration of RF energy, but particulate contrast echoes appeared from the site of the tip of the electrode which had been used for ablation during the 4th RF delivery. When the delivery of RF energy was discontinued, the contrast echo disappeared, and a thrombus was found at the tip of the removed catheter. TEE in RF catheter ablation was helpful for confirming the site of the tip of the catheter and for early detection of complications.