Evaluation of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction by 99mTc-MIBI gated SPECT and 18F-FDG gated PET in patients with prior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of gated-SPECT (GSPECT) and gated-PET (GPET) in the assessment of left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volumes (EDVs), end-systolic volumes (ESVs) and LV ejection fractions (LVEFs) among patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive patients with MI who underwent GSPECT and GPET were included. Of them, 76 patients underwent CMR in addition to the two imaging modalities. The measurements of LV volumes and LVEF were performed using Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS), Emory Cardiac Toolbox (ECTB), and 4D-MSPECT (4DM). RESULTS: The correlation between GPET, GSPECT, and CMR were excellent for LV EDV (r = 0.855 to 0.914), ESV (r = 0.852 to 0.949), and LVEF (r = 0.618 to 0.820), as calculated from QGS, ECTB, and 4DM. In addition, subgroup analysis revealed that EDV, ESV, and LVEF measured by GPET were accurate in patients with different extents of total perfusion defect (TPD), viable myocardium, and perfusion/metabolic mismatch. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis identified that mismatch score was associated with the difference in EDV (P < 0.05) measurements between GPET and CMR. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MI, LV volumes and LVEF scores measured by both GSPECT and GPET imaging were comparable to those determined by CMR, but should not be interchangeable in individual patients.

Preserved myocardial viability in patients with chronic total occlusion of a single coronary artery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the benefits of coronary collateral circulation on myocardial perfusion, viability and function in patients with total occlusion of a single coronary artery using the 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET. METHODS: 164 Consecutive patients were included who underwent coronary angiography results exhibited total occlusion of a single coronary artery and received 99mTc-MIBI SPECT and 18F-FDG PET within 90 days of angiography. Myocardial perfusion and viability in patients with collateral circulation and those without it were compared. Long-term follow-up was performed through a review of patient clinical records. RESULTS: Collateral circulation was present in 56 patients (34%) and absent in 108 patients (66%). The total perfusion defect size in patients with collateral circulation decreased when compared to those without (30% ± 13% to 35% ± 14%, P < .05). The myocardial viability was 22% ± 12% in patients with collateral circulation, and 12% ± 9% in those without (P < .001). The left ventricular ejection fraction was higher, and the end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes were lower in patients with collateral circulation (39% ± 11%, 138 ± 66, 89 ± 57) compared to patients without collateral circulation (31% ± 9%, 177 ± 55, 125 ± 48, all P < .001, respectively). Multi-factor logistic regression identified that concerning the variables of sex, age, viable myocardium, collateral circulation, treatment type and others, only treatment type was significantly associated with therapeutic effects (OR 3.872, 95% CI 1.915-7.830, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Collateral circulation can preserve resting myocardial blood perfusion and myocardial viability, and help maintain the function of the left ventricular myocardium. The appropriate treatment strategy will have a substantial impact on the therapeutic outcome.

Septal and anterior reverse mismatch of myocardial perfusion and metabolism in patients with coronary artery disease and left bundle branch block.

The effects of left bundle branch block (LBBB) on left ventricular myocardial metabolism have not been well investigated. This study evaluated these effects in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Sixty-five CAD patients with complete LBBB (mean age, 61.8 ±â€Š9.7 years) and 65 without LBBB (mean age, 59.9 ±â€Š8.4 years) underwent single photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and contrast coronary angiography. The relationship between myocardial perfusion and metabolism and reverse mismatch score, and that between QRS length and reverse mismatch score and wall motion score were evaluated.The incidence of left ventricular septum and anterior wall reverse mismatching between the two groups was significantly different (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). The incidences of normal myocardial perfusion and metabolism in the left ventricular lateral and inferior walls were also significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of septal reverse mismatching in patients with mild to moderate perfusion was significantly higher among those with LBBB than among those without LBBB (P < 0.001). In CAD patients with LBBB, septal reverse mismatching was significantly more common among those with mild to moderate perfusion than among those with severe perfusion defects (P = 0.002). The correlation between the septal reverse mismatch score and QRS length was significant (P = 0.026).In patients with CAD and LBBB, septal and anterior reverse mismatching of myocardial perfusion and metabolism was frequently present; the septal reverse mismatch score negatively correlated with the QRS interval.

Ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy in children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Childhood post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is an infrequent lung disease leading to narrowing and/or complete obliteration of small airways. Ventilation and perfusion (V/Q) scan can provide both regional and global pulmonary information. However, only few retrospective researches investigating post-infectious BO involved V/Q scan, the clinical value of this method is unknown. This preliminary prospective study was aimed to evaluate the correlation of V/Q scan with disease severity, pulmonary function test results, and prognosis in children with post-infectious BO. METHODS: Twenty-five post-infectious BO children (18 boys and 7 girls; mean age, 41 months) underwent V/Q scan and pulmonary function tests. Patients were followed after their inclusion. Ventilation index and perfusion index obtained from V/Q scan were used to measure pulmonary abnormalities. Spearman's rank correlation test of ventilation index and perfusion index on disease severity, lung function tests indices, and follow-up results were performed. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 4.6 years (range, 2.2 to 5.0 years). Ventilation index and perfusion index were both correlated with disease severity (r = 0.72, p<0.01 and r = 0.73, p<0.01), but only ventilation index was related to pulmonary function tests results (all p<0.05). In addition, Spearman test yielded significant correlations between perfusion index and prognosis (r = 0.77, p<0.01), and ventilation index and prognosis (r = 0.63, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: For children with post-infectious BO, the present study preliminarily indicated that the degree of ventilation and perfusion abnormalities evaluated by V/Q scan may be used to assess disease severity, and may be predictive of patient's outcome.

Evaluation of left ventricular myocardial perfusion and function using gated SPECT in patients with hypertrophic obstruction cardiomyopathy following percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the left ventricular myocardial perfusion and function in hypertrophic obstruction cardiomyopathy patients following percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) using rest single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients (24 men and 11 women, 48±11 years old) with hypertrophic obstruction cardiomyopathy underwent rest-gated Tc-MIBI SPECT imaging 4±10 days before (baseline) and 4.7±1.0 days (short-term) and 15.5±8.2 months (mid-term) after PTSMA. Semiquantitative and QGS quantitative evaluations of perfusion and function were carried out in 17 left ventricular segments. RESULTS: Myocardial perfusion of the septum following PTSMA was significantly reduced compared with baseline in all patients (P<0.05), but the myocardial perfusion in the basal septum was significantly higher at mid-term compared with short-term following PTSMA (P<0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly decreased following PTSMA (P<0.05). Regional wall motion assessed in the basal anterior, basal septum, and basal inferior areas following PTSMA was significantly reduced compared with baseline (P<0.05), and wall thickening of the interventricular septum was decreased following PTSMA (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rest-gated SPECT imaging can be used to assess left ventricular myocardial perfusion and function and to investigate the efficacy of PTSMA during follow-up.

Comparison of coronary CT angiography and stress/rest myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging in a Chinese population.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between luminal stenosis measured by coronary CT angiography and stress-induced ischemia by SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging is not clearly defined. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between stenosis severity by coronary CT angiography and abnormal SPECT finding and to explore the impact of clinical factors on this relationship. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven hundred six consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease between January 2008 and October 2010 were prospectively enrolled. RESULTS: SPECT revealed 348 reversible and 58 fixed defects in 91 patients. Coronary CT angiography revealed that 339 patients had a maximal luminal stenosis 50% or greater. Total coronary artery calcium score was calculated in 428 patients, including 193 without calcification as well as 128 with mild, 59 with moderate, and 48 with severe-to-extensive calcification. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value (NPV) of coronary CT angiography for detecting abnormal SPECT finding were, respectively, 48.4%, 90.4%, 42.7%, and 92.2% on a patients' level and 40.2%, 95.6%, 33.6%, and 96.6% on vascular level when cutoff value of stenosis was set at 75%. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the best cutoff value of stenosis for detecting abnormal SPECT finding was 55% on patients' level and 43% on vascular level. Patients with severe-to-extensive calcification had lowest specificity (56.3%) and NPV (69.2%). The sensitivity and positive predictive value of coronary CT angiography were not affected by any clinical factors (P = nonsignificant), whereas the specificity was higher in female patients, population younger than 60 years, and population without hypertension or family history of coronary artery disease (P < 0.05), and the NPV was higher among female patients and population without hypertension (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary CT angiography has good agreement with stress/rest myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging. Coronary calcification and several clinical factors could affect the specificity and NPV of coronary CT angiography for detecting abnormal SPECT finding.

Left ventricular functional changes after adenosine vasodilator stress evaluated by gated single-photon emission computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: Gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging is useful in assessing left ventricular (LV) myocardial perfusion and function. This study evaluated the LV functional changes after adenosine vasodilator stress, using gated SPECT. METHODS: The study population consisted of 70 patients who underwent adenosine-mediated stress and rest SPECT. All patients underwent coronary angiography. Semi-quantitative assessment of perfusion was analyzed and produced the summed rest score (SRS), the summed stress score (SSS) and the summed difference score (SDS). The global LV function parameters [ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV)] and regional LV function [the summed motion score (SMS) and the summed thickening score (STS)] were quantified by gated SPECT. RESULTS: Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 comprised 16 patients with worsening of LVEF (LVEFrest-LVEFado ≥5%), and group 2 comprised the other 54 patients. Compared with group 2, patients in group 1 had a significantly higher SSS and SDS (9.1 ± 6.8 vs. 5.6 ± 4.5 and 6.6 ± 3.8 vs. 3.6 ± 4.0, respectively; p < 0.05) and the severity of coronary artery stenosis was more serious (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Worsening of LVEF after adenosine-induced vasodilator stress, as shown by (99m)Tc-MIBI gated SPECT, is a valuable nonperfusion marker of significant CAD.

Shortened acquisition time or reduced-activity dose for gated myocardial perfusion SPECT with new reconstruction algorithm.

To confirm that shortened acquisition time or reduced-activity dose in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging reconstructed with Astonish software (AS) does not compromise image quality or diagnostic accuracy. One hundred patients referred for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging were prospectively studied. The patients were randomly selected to receive the full-dose protocol (group A, n = 54) or the half-dose protocol (group B, n = 46). The patients of group A underwent a 2-day stress/rest protocol. After half-time acquisition, they underwent a full-time acquisition for stress and rest SPECT. Group B underwent a 1-day stress/rest protocol. During peak stress, all patients received an intravenous injection of (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI; 5.2 ± 0.6 mCi). After the full-time stress acquisition, the patients underwent a double-time stress acquisition. If the stress image showed a defect, a patient received (99m)Tc-MIBI (19.5 ± 1.7 mCi) at rest on the same day. The rest SPECT acquisition protocol was the same in both groups. The low count (LC) and high count (HC) were acquired for each patient. AS and filtered back projection (FBP) reconstructed each set of raw data. Image quality of perfusion was assessed on a four-point scale. Perfusion parameters and function parameters were calculated by quantitative perfusion SPECT and quantitative gated SPECT. Mean image quality for LC-AS and HC-AS (3.5 ± 0.5 and 3.7 ± 0.5, respectively) was superior to HC-FBP (3.1 ± 0.4) in group A (for all, p < 0.001). LC-AS and HC-AS (3.5 ± 0.5 and 3.6 ± 0.5, respectively) in group B were superior to HC-FBP (3.1 ± 0.3) (for all, p < 0.001). LC-AS, HC-AS and LC-FBP showed high diagnostic concordance with HC-FBP (kappa value was 0.92, 0.92, and 0.94, respectively; all p < 0.001). Cardiac SPECT studies can be acquired with half of the scan time or reduced radioactivity dose and reconstructed by using the AS algorithm without compromising image quality.

Myocardial radionuclide imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is defined as a primary and familial cardiac disorder characterized by heterogeneous expression, unique pathophysiology and considerable diversity in clinical presentation. Clinical diagnosis was mainly based on the performance of ECG. In addition, cardiovascular MRI or ECG plays an important role in the diagnosis. Nevertheless, myocardial radionuclide imaging, which could provide detailed information on myocardial perfusion, metabolism and neurological function, is a valuable method for exploring the inter-relationship between the morphological, pathophysiological and functional changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is also helpful in evaluating the effect of transcoronary ethanol septal ablation and prognosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which suggests that it is an important imaging method in the comprehensive evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Evaluation of left and right ventricular ejection fraction and volumes from gated blood-pool SPECT in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: comparison with cardiac MRI.

UNLABELLED: This prospective study evaluated the accuracy of electrocardiogram-gated blood-pool SPECT (GBPS) for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), and end-systolic volume (ESV) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging as the reference standard. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (24 men and 8 women; mean age, 51 y) with a diagnosis of idiopathic DCM underwent GBPS and CMR. LV and RV parameters including EDV, ESV, and EF from GBPS were calculated using fully automated gradient software and compared with those obtained by CMR. RESULTS: Biventricular volumes were underestimated by GBPS, compared with CMR (P < 0.001). We found no statistical difference between these 2 methods in the assessment of LV EF (P = 0.23), whereas RV EF was overestimated by GBPS (P < 0.001 vs. CMR). Regression analysis yielded significant correlations between GBPS and CMR in the assessments of biventricular parameters (r = 0.83 for LV EDV, 0.88 for LV ESV, 0.89 for LV EF, 0.86 for RV EDV, 0.86 for RV ESV, and 0.62 for RV EF; all P < 0.001). Comparison of the deviations of RV indices between GBPS and CMR with the ratio of RV EDV to LV EDV showed that there was a statistically significant trend for RV volumes to be underestimated and for RV EF to be overestimated as the biventricular volumetric ratio decreased (r = 0.61 for RV EDV, 0.68 for RV ESV, and -0.55 for RV EF; all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For patients with DCM, GBPS correlated well with CMR for the assessment of biventricular parameters, but RV indices should be cautiously interpreted.

The role of myocardial viability assessed by perfusion/F-18 FDG imaging in children with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.

PURPOSE: Although surgical treatments evolved, the short-term postoperative mortality is still high in children with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), and long-term survivors may suffer from restrained functional recovery. Therefore, an optimal means in predicting postoperative reversal is demanded. In this study, we assess the utility of myocardial perfusion/F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging in the evaluation of myocardial viability and postsurgery functional recovery in children with ALCAPA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 7 children with diagnosed ALCAPA who underwent myocardial perfusion/F-18 FDG imaging preoperatively. Global viability index was used to evaluate myocardial viability and was compared with the preoperative deviations of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) from age-matched healthy children and with the postoperative durations of intensive care. RESULTS: Children with more viable myocardium had less severe clinical symptoms. The viability index was correlated well with the preoperative deviations of LVEF (r = -0.98, P = 0.001) and LVEDD (r = 0.87, P = 0.02) and postoperative durations of intensive care hospitalization (r = 0.77, P = 0.04) and mechanical ventilation (r = 0.83, P = 0.02). LVEF and LVEDD reached normal range within 5 months in viable children, whereas incomplete reversal was observed in partial- and nonviable children. CONCLUSIONS: In children with ALCAPA, myocardial viability evaluated by perfusion/F-18 FDG imaging is related to the preoperative clinical manifestations and cardiac function. Additionally, it may predict functional recovery after surgical repair.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and diastolic function measurements by adenosine stress echocardiography in prediction of coronary stenosis in patients.

BACKGROUND: Stress echocardiography is mainly used in detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to assess risk. This study aimed to use adenosine stress echocardiography (ASE) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to noninvasively assess coronary stenosis in patients with chest pain syndromes or anginal equivalent. METHODS: NT-proBNP was measured after overnight fast in fifty patients, 42 males and 8 females, who were (57 ± 11) years old. They then underwent echocardiography before and during adenosine administration. Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function analyzed included mitral annular early (E') and late velocity (A') both at the mitral septal and lateral level and the mitral inflow to annulus ratio (E/E'). Coronary angiography was performed the following day after which patients were assigned to three groups: normal results (16 patients), stenosis 50% - 69% (17 patients) and stenosis ≥ 70% (17 patients). RESULTS: NT-proBNP levels in the groups of stenosis 50% - 69% and ≥ 70% were significantly higher than that in the group with normal results (P = 0.014 and P = 0.040). During adenosine stress, the E/E' in the group of stenosis ≥ 70% was higher than in the group of normal results (P = 0.024). E'(lateral)/A'(lateral) in the group of stenosis 50% - 69% and E'(septal)/A'(septal) and E'(lateral)/A'(lateral) in the group of stenosis ≥ 70% were also decreased during stress compared with baseline (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, P = 0.022). The variation of E'(septal)/A'(septal) before and during adenosine stress (ΔE'(septal)/A'(septal)) between the groups of normal results and stenosis ≥ 70% were significantly different (P = 0.001). By receiver operating characteristic (ROC), the specificity of ΔE'(septal)/A'(septal) ≥ 0.037 predicting coronary stenosis < 70% was 94%. The sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP ≥ 544.6 fmol/ml in predicting coronary stenosis ≥ 70% were 93% and 75%, respectively. NT-proBNP inversely correlated with E'(lateral)/A'(lateral) (r = - 0.390, P = 0.014) and positively correlated with E/E'(lateral) (r = 0.550, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Adenosine might induce diastolic dysfunction in patients with coronary stenosis more than 70% and NT-proBNP could reflect LV diastolic function to a certain extent. We support the prediction that most patients having chest pain syndromes or anginal equivalent with NT-proBNP < 544.6 fmol/ml and in ASE ΔE'(septal)/A'(septal) ≥ 0.037 might be spared coronary angiography.

[Myocardial perfusion evaluation post percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy by 99Tc(m) MIBI SPECT MPI].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the myocardial perfusion and function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) before and after percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA). METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy were included and (99)Tc(m)-MIBI SPECT MPI was applied before and at 1 week after PTSMA, six-month follow-up was finished in 11 patients. Semi quantity and QGS quantity perfusion and function assessment was performed in 17 LV segments. RESULTS: Myocardial perfusion post-PTSMA was significantly reduced in 98% patients, especially in basal anterosepta, basal interseptal, mid-anteroseptal, mid-interseptal and apical septal segments compared with pre-PTSMA (all P < 0.05). Perfusion was significantly increased at 6 months follow-up than at 1 week post-PTSMA but still lower than pre-PTSMA (all P < 0.05). LVEF (evaluated by gated SPECT) was similar before and after the procedure (P > 0.05). Regional wall motion after PTSMA was lower than pre-PTSMA in basal anterior, basal anteroseptal, basal interseptal and basal inferior (P < 0.05). Regional wall thinkening was lower than pre-PTSMA in basal interseptal, mid-anteroseptal, mid-interseptal (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: (99)Tc(m) MIBI SPECT can be used to monitor myocardial perfusion post PTSMA in patients with HOCM.

Impact of myocardial perfusion imaging on in-hospital coronary angiography and revascularization of patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive cardiac imaging is now central to the diagnosis and management of patients with moderate probability for coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) on in-hospital coronary angiography and revascularization for such patients. METHODS: Between January 2005 and June 2007, 1053 consecutive in-hospital patients (423 women, the average age of (57.2 ± 11.2) years) with suspected coronary artery disease but without any prior interventional treatment were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent a 2-day stress/rest (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) myocardial perfusion SPECT, including 984 exercise test and 69 adenosine test. RESULTS: Overall, stress/rest myocardial perfusion SPECT was normal in 973 patients (92.4%) and abnormal in 80 patients (7.6%). A total of 190 patients underwent coronary angiography, 46 underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and 10 coronary artery bypass grafting during hospitalization. From the whole perspective, only 14.7% of patients with normal SPECT underwent coronary angiography, so did 58.8% of patients with abnormal SPECT (χ(2) = 97.0, P < 0.001); furthermore, the rates of revascularization in patients with normal and abnormal SPECT were 2.8% and 36.3%, respectively (27 out of 973 vs. 29 out of 80, χ(2) = 157.9, P < 0.001). The extent and severity of ischemia did not add more predictive value for subsequent coronary angiography, but did have impact on revascularization. Multivariate analysis showed that reversible perfusion defect was the most predictive variable for referral rate to coronary angiography (odds ratio = 7.5, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal myocardial perfusion SPECT is a powerful referral for in-hospital coronary angiography and revascularization during the same hospitalization. Thus, stress/rest SPECT is an effective gatekeeper for early coronary angiography and invasive treatment for patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Coronary spasm after completion of adenosine pharmacologic stress test.

Adenosine is a frequently used pharmacologic stress agent in myocardial perfusion imaging. Its safety profile is well established, and most of its side effects are mild and transient. Coronary vasospasm occurs occasionally during or after adenosine stress test in rare cases, which may lead to seriously adverse outcomes. This study reported 3 such cases after completion of adenosine pharmacologic stress test.

No-reflow protection and long-term efficacy for acute myocardial infarction with Tongxinluo: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial (ENLEAT Trial).

BACKGROUND: No-reflow after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is related to the severe prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Tongxinluo, a traditional Chinese medicine, on no-reflow and the infarction area after emergency PCI for STEMI. METHODS: A total of 219 patients (female 31, 14%) undergoing emergency PCI for STEMI from nine clinical centers were consecutively enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial from January 2007 to May 2009. All patients were randomly divided into Tongxinluo group (n = 108) and control group (n = 111), given Tongxinluo or placebo in loading dose 2.08 g respectively before emergency PCI with aspirin 300 mg and clopidogrel 300 mg together, then 1.04 g three times daily for six months after PCI. The ST segment elevation was recorded by electrocardiogram at hospitalization and 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 hours after coronary balloon dilation to evaluate the myocardial no-flow; myocardial perfusion scores of 17 segments were evaluated on day 7 and day 180 after STEMI with static single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to determine the infarct area. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in sex, age, past history, chest pain, onset-to-reperfusion time, Killip classification, TIMI flow grade just before and after PCI, either in the medication treatment during the follow up such as statin, ß-blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) between two groups. There was significant ST segment restoration in Tongxinluo group compared to the control group at 6 hours ((-0.22 ± 0.18) mV vs. (-0.18 ± 0.16) mV, P = 0.0394), 12 hours ((-0.24 ± 0.18) mV vs. (-0.18 ± 0.15) mV, P = 0.0158) and 24 hours ((-0.27 ± 0.16) mV vs. (-0.20 ± 0.16) mV, P = 0.0021) reperfusion; and the incidence of myocardial no-reflow was also reduced significantly at 24-hour reperfusion (34.3% vs. 54.1%, P = 0.0031). The myocardial perfusion scores of 17 segments evaluated by static SPECT was improved significantly on day 7 and day 180 after STEMI in Tongxinluo group compared to the control group (0.61 ± 0.40 vs. 0.76 ± 0.42, P = 0.0109 and 0.51 ± 0.42 vs. 0.66 ± 0.43, P = 0.0115, respectively). There was no significant difference in severe adverse events between two groups. CONCLUSION: Tongxinluo as a kind of traditional Chinese medicine could reduce myocardial no-reflow and infarction area significantly after emergency PCI for STEMI with conventional medicine therapy.

[Impact of viable myocardium assessed by 99Tcm-MIBI SPECT and 18F-FDG PET imaging on clinical outcome of patients with left ventricular aneurysm underwent revascularization].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of viable myocardium assessed by (99)Tc()m-MIBI SPECT and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging in patients with left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) underwent revascularization (RVS). METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients with LVA (mean LVEF 36% +/- 7%), underwent (99)Tc(m)-sestamibi SPECT and (18)F-FDG PET examinations and received RVS therapy, were followed-up for a mean period of 80 +/- 27 months. Viable myocardium in aneurysm was defined as perfusion-metabolism mismatch score (MMS) >/= 2.0. Patients were divided into four groups by aneurysm viability and aneurysmectomy. Group A1 (n = 8): viability-; Group A2 (n = 15): viability-, aneurysmectomy; Group B1 (n = 10): viability +; and Group B2 (n = 13): viability +, aneurysmectomy. RESULTS: The cardiac event rates during follow up were similar among groups [A1 (25%, 2/8), B1 (40%, 6/15), A2 (20%, 2/10) and B2 (31%, 4/13; P > 0.05)]. After revascularization, LVEF was improved (> 10%) in groups A2, B1 and B2 (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LV-MMS (OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.08 - 5.06, P < 0.05), distal vessel disease (OR = 0.008, 95% CI 0.001 - 0.560, P < 0.05) and nonaneurysm perfusion score (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.85, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with the improvement of LVEF after revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Long term cardiac events rate post revascularization was not affected by viable myocardium or aneurysmectomy in LVA patients. Viable myocardium in LVA patients was associated with better LVEF improvement after revascularization.

[Stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography imaging in the detection of coronary artery disease in woman].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in female coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-nine consecutive female patients, aged 60 +/- 8, underwent stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and coronary angiography with an interval of < 60 days. Among them, 227 patients underwent exercise MPI, injected intravenously with (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) 740 - 925 MBq when the exercise end point was reached, and 32 patients underwent pharmacologic stress MPI, injected intravenously with persantine or adenosine and then (99m)Tc-MIBI. RESULTS: Among the 227 patients undergoing exercise MPI 79 had significant coronary artery stenosis with the overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting coronary artery disease of 63% and 97% respectively. According to the exercise heart rate, the 227 patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 137) the patients of which achieved adequate exercise end points, and group 2 (n = 90) the patients of which only reached submaximal exercise. The sensitivity of exercise MPI for detecting CAD was 86% in the group 1 and 38% in the group 2. Among the 32 patients who underwent pharmacologic stress MPI 13 had significant CAD with the sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 84% respectively. CONCLUSION: Stress MPI is an efficient protocol for the detection of CAD in women, and pharmacologic stress MPI is more suitable for the women with decreased exercise capacity and advanced age.

[Diagnostic value of 99mTc-N-NOET myocardial perfusion imaging during exercise for coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of (99m)Tc-N-NOET ((99m)Tc-N-ethoxy-N-ethyl dithiocarbamato-nitrito) myocardial perfusion SPECT for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. METHODS: A total of 42 patients [mean age (54 +/- 9) years, 35 men] with suspected chest pain were included in this study. 740 MBq of (99m)Tc-N-NOET was injected intravenously during bicycle exercise when the heart rate attained reached more than 85% of the expected maximum, or in cases of angina pectoris, severe arrhythmias and ischemic ST segment changes. (99m)Tc-N-NOET 740 MBq, SPECT myocardial imaging acquisitions were obtained at 15 minutes and 2 hours after (99m)Tc-N-NOET injection. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Coronary artery stenosis was detected in 26 patients and normal coronary angiography was shown in 16 patients. (99m)Tc-N-NOET myocardial perfusion imaging was abnormal in twenty-one patients out of the 26 patients with significant coronary artery stenosis (sensitivity, 81%); 14 out of 16 patients with normal angiography had a normal myocardial perfusion imaging (specificity, 88%). The positive predictive value, negative predictive value and predictive accuracy of (99m)Tc-N-NOET myocardial perfusion imaging for detection of CAD was 91%, 74% and 83%, respectively. The sensitivity of the imaging for detecting single vessel, double vessels and triple vessels disease were 60% (6/10), 86% (6/7) and 100% (9/9), respectively. There was mild (99m)Tc-N-NOET lung uptake in patients with coronary artery stenosis 15 minutes post (99m)Tc-N-NOET injection. CONCLUSION: SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging with (99m)Tc-N-NOET supplied an important diagnostic tool for detecting coronary artery disease. Lung uptake with stress (99m)Tc-N-NOET might be related to coronary artery disease.

Inferior-septal myocardial infarction misdiagnosed as anterior-septal myocardial infarction: electrocardiographic, scintigraphic, and angiographic correlations.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the infarct sites in patients with inferior wall acute myocardial infarction (AMI) concomitant with ST segment elevation in leads V1-V3 and leads V3R-V5R. METHODS: Five patients diagnosed as inferior, right ventricular, and anteroseptal walls AMI at admission were enrolled. Electrocardiographic data and results of isotope 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) myocardial perfusion imaging and coronary angiography (CAG) were analyzed. RESULTS: Electrocardiogram showed that ST segment significantly elevated in standard leads II, III, aVF, and leads V1-V3, V3R-V5R in all five patients. The magnitude of ST segment elevation was maximal in lead V1 and decreased gradually from lead V1 to V3 and from lead V1 to V3R-V5R. There was isotope 99mTc-MIBI myocardial perfusion imaging defect in inferior and basal inferior-septal walls. CAG showed that right coronary artery was infarct-related artery. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic criteria for basal inferior-septal wall AMI can be formulated as follows: (1) ST segment elevates > or = 2 mm in lead V1 in the clinical setting of inferior wall AMI; (2) the magnitude of ST segment elevation is the tallest in lead V1 and decreases gradually from lead V1 to V3 and from lead V1 to V3R-V5R. With two conditions above, the basal inferior-septal wall AMI should be diagnosed.