Papel del radiofarmacéutico clínico en la seguridad del paciente durante los estudios de perfusión miocárdica de esfuerzo con vasodilatadores / Role of the clinical radiopharmacist in patient safety during myocardial perfusion imaging with vasodilator stress agents

Objetivos: Evaluar el papel del radiofarmacéutico en un equipo multidisciplinar en la detección de contraindicaciones del regadenosón para su uso seguro en pacientes a los que se solicitó una SPECT de perfusión miocárdica. Métodos: Se estudió ambispectivamente su uso seguro en 1.905 pacientes (54,1% mujeres, edad media: 66,6±11,7 años, rango: 20-95años). Se registraron datos relativos al sexo, a la edad, al historial médico, a la medicación, a las alergias medicamentosas y a las contraindicaciones para el estrés farmacológico, así como las recomendaciones realizadas al médico nuclear responsable. Resultados: Las contraindicaciones detectadas y las correspondientes recomendaciones fueron las siguientes: riesgo de prolongación del intervalo QTc (7,5%): comprobación previa del intervalo QTc y monitorización del ECG; ictus o AIT previo (4,2%): evaluación de estenosis carotídea; alergia a salicilatos y/o sulfamidas (3,1%): empleo de [99mTc]Tc-MIBI; epilepsia o riesgo de convulsiones (2,4%): uso de adenosina o reconsiderar su indicación; tratamiento con corticosteroides sistémicos en EPOC severa (1,3%): reevaluar las condiciones del paciente; EPOC reagudizada (0,8%): posponer hasta la resolución del episodio agudo; asma grave (0,4%): no realizar la prueba; toma de metilxantinas (0,3%): evitar su consumo previo; otras (6,1%): evaluación de cada contraindicación. No se observaron contraindicaciones en el 73,6% de los pacientes. Se anularon el 2,9% de las peticiones debido a contraindicaciones absolutas. Conclusiones: Empleando una metodología de trabajo sistemática, el radiofarmacéutico detectó un elevado número de incidencias, presentando uno de cada cuatro pacientes alguna contraindicación clínica. Las recomendaciones emitidas fueron aceptadas por los médicos nucleares, que modificaron su enfoque, incrementando así la seguridad de estos pacientes.(AU)

Aim: To assess the radiopharmacist's role in a multidisciplinary team focused on the contraindications of regadenoson in order to ensure the safe use of pharmacologic vasodilator stress agents in patients undergoing SPECT-MPI. Methods: We ambispectively studied its safe use in 1905 patients (54.1% female, mean age: 66.6±11.7 years, range: 20-95years). Sex, age, medical history, medications, drug allergies, and contraindications for stress testing were registered together with recommendations for the nuclear physician in charge. Results: Detected contraindications and corresponding recommendations were as follows: risk factors for QTc interval prolongation 7.5% — measurement of QTc interval previously to test and monitor ECG; prior stroke or TIA 4.2% — consider carotid stenosis assessment; salicylates/sulfonamides allergy 3.1% — use 99mTc-sestamibi; epilepsy or risk factors for seizures 2.4% — use of adenosine or reconsider test indication; systemic corticosteroid therapy for severe COPD 1.3% — reassessment of patient's condition; acute exacerbation of COPD 0.8% — defer test until acute episode is over; severe asthma 0.4% — do not perform test; methylxanthine ingestion 0.3% — avoid consumption previously; other 6.1% — evaluation of other contraindications. No contraindications were detected in 73.6% of patients. The test was cancelled due to absolute contraindications in 2.9% of the requests. Conclusions: Working in a systematic way, the radiopharmacist was able to detect a high number of issues related to regadenoson, with one out of four patients presenting some clinical contraindication. The recommendations given by the radiopharmacist were well accepted by the nuclear physicians who changed their approach contributing to increase the safety of patients referred for MPI.(AU)

Role of the clinical radiopharmacist in patient safety during myocardial perfusion imaging with vasodilator stress agents.

AIM: To assess the radiopharmacist's role in a multidisciplinary team focused on the contraindications of regadenoson in order to ensure the safe use of pharmacologic vasodilator stress agents in patients undergoing SPECT-MPI. METHODS: We ambispectively studied its safe use in 1905 patients (54.1% female, mean age: 66.6±11.7 years, range: 20-95 years). Sex, age, medical history, medications, drug allergies, and contraindications for stress testing were registered together with recommendations for the nuclear physician in charge. RESULTS: Detected contraindications and corresponding recommendations were as follows: risk factors for QTc interval prolongation 7.5% - measurement of QTc interval previously to test and monitor ECG; prior stroke or TIA 4.2% - consider carotid stenosis assessment; salicylates/sulfonamides allergy 3.1% - use 99mTc-sestamibi; epilepsy or risk factors for seizures 2.4% - use of adenosine or reconsider test indication; systemic corticosteroid therapy for severe COPD 1.3% - reassessment of patient's condition; acute exacerbation of COPD 0.8% - defer test until acute episode is over; severe asthma 0.4% - do not perform test; methylxanthine ingestion 0.3% - avoid consumption previously; other 6.1% - evaluation of other contraindications. No contraindications were detected in 73.6% of patients. The test was canceled due to absolute contraindications in 2.9% of the requests. CONCLUSIONS: Working in a systematic way, the radiopharmacist was able to detect a high number of issues related to regadenoson, with one out of four patients presenting some clinical contraindication. The recommendations given by the radiopharmacist were well accepted by the nuclear physicians who changed their approach contributing to increase the safety of patients referred for MPI.

Valoración del tromboembolismo pulmonar relacionado con infección SARS-CoV-2 activa en pacientes embarazadas / Assessment of pulmonary embolism related to active SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women

Objetivo Analizar la muestra de pacientes embarazadas a las que se les realizó una gammagrafía de perfusión pulmonar para descartar la sospecha de tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) durante el ingreso en nuestro centro por infección aguda por COVID-19. Material y métodos A todas las pacientes (n=5) se les realizó una gammagrafía SPECT con dosis reducida (111MBq) de 99mTc-macroagregados de albúmina. Las imágenes obtenidas se interpretaron comparando los hallazgos con la imagen radiológica según criterios PISAPED. Resultados De las 5 pacientes, tan solo en una se diagnosticó TEP. En 2 pacientes los hallazgos patológicos de la gammagrafía fueron atribuibles a alteraciones radiológicas por neumonía COVID-19, y otras 2 mostraron una perfusión pulmonar normal. Conclusión Dado lo inespecífico de las manifestaciones clínicas y los valores del dímero D dentro de la COVID-19, así como su similitud con los de TEP, la gammagrafía de perfusión pulmonar, por su alta sensibilidad y menor irradiación que la TC, tiene un papel crucial en el despistaje de TEP en estas pacientes. Los resultados obtenidos son de especial relevancia, a pesar del número limitado de pacientes, dada la ausencia de publicaciones científicas en este grupo de pacientes dentro de la situación excepcional por la pandemia de COVID-19 (AU)

Aim To analyze the sample of pregnant patients who underwent pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy to rule out the pulmonary embolism (PE) suspicion during the acute COVID-19 infection hospitalization period in our hospital. Material and methods SPECT scintigraphy with a reduced dose (111MBq) of 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin was performed in all of the patients (n=5). The obtained images were interpreted by comparing the findings with the radiological images according to the PISAPED criteria. Results Only one of the 5 patients was diagnosed with PE. Two patients obtained pathological findings of the scintigraphy attributable to radiological alterations due to COVID-19 pneumonia, and the other 2 had normal pulmonary perfussion. Conclusion Given the non-specific features of the clinical manifestations and D-dimer values in COVID-19, as well as their similarity to those of PE, the pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy plays a crucial role in the screening of PE in these patients due to its high sensitivity and lower irradiation compared to CT. Despite the limited number of patients, the results obtained have special relevance related to the absence of scientific publications on this group of patients within the context of COVID-19 pandemic exceptional situation (AU)

La cardiología nuclear en la pandemia COVID-19 / Nuclear Cardiology in the COVID-19 pandemic

La infección por SARS-CoV-2 tiene una relación muy importante con la patología cardiovascular. Desde el inicio de la pandemia se objetivó una relación estrecha entre la comorbilidad cardiovascular y un peor pronóstico de los pacientes COVID-19. El estudio de la fisiopatología de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y la enfermedad cardiovascular sugieren varias hipótesis concomitantes: el daño miocárdico directo por el virus, la hipoxemia secundaria a la insuficiencia respiratoria, la respuesta inflamatoria a la infección y/o los fenómenos tromboembólicos. El daño cardiovascular se puede manifestar en la fase aguda de la infección con cuadros de infarto agudo de miocardio, miocarditis, arritmias…, durante esta fase los procedimientos de Cardiología Nuclear no han tenido un papel determinante en el diagnóstico y manejo de estos pacientes. En cambio, en la fase subaguda de la infección y en el síndrome del COVID post-agudo la Cardiología Nuclear parece ofrecer luz a lo que sucede en el sistema cardiovascular en esta fase de la enfermedad. La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha representado un gran reto para los sistemas de salud constatándose una reducción importante de pruebas diagnósticas no urgentes con el objetivo de disminuir el riesgo de transmisión a pacientes y personal sanitario. La Cardiología Nuclear no ha sido una excepción. Además de la priorización de pruebas urgentes/preferentes y las medidas generales de screening, higiene y distancia, los principales organismos y sociedades científicas de Medicina Nuclear y Cardiología Nuclear han elaborado recomendaciones y guías para su práctica segura introduciendo notables cambios en los protocolos SPECT de perfusión miocárdica (AU)

SARS-CoV-2 infection has a very important relationship with cardiovascular disease. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a close relationship has been observed between cardiovascular comorbidity and a worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients. The study of the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cardiovascular disease suggests several concomitant hypotheses: direct myocardial damage by the virus, hypoxemia secondary to respiratory failure, inflammatory response to infection and/or thromboembolic phenomena. Cardiovascular damage can manifest in the acute phase of infection with acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, arrhythmias..., during this phase Nuclear Cardiology procedures have not played a determining role in the diagnosis and management of these patients. On the other hand, in the subacute phase of the infection and in the post-acute COVID syndrome, Nuclear Cardiology seems to shed light on what happens in the cardiovascular system in this phase of the disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a great challenge for health systems, with a significant reduction in non-urgent diagnostic procedures with the aim of reducing the risk of transmission to patients and health personnel. Nuclear Cardiology has not been an exception. In addition to the prioritization of urgent/non-deferrable procedures and general screening, hygiene and distance measures, the main organizations and scientific societies of Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology released recommendations and guidelines for safe practice, introducing significant changes in myocardial perfusion SPECT protocol (AU)

Assessment of pulmonary embolism related to active SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women.

AIM: To analyze a sample of pregnant patients who underwent pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy to rule out suspicion of pulmonary embolism (PE) during the acute COVID-19 infection hospitalization period in our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SPECT scintigraphy with a reduced dose (111MBq) of 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin was performed in all the patients (n=5). The images obtained were interpreted by comparing the findings with the radiological images according to the PISAPED criteria. RESULTS: Only one of the 5 patients was diagnosed with PE. Two patients showed pathological scintigraphy findings attributable to radiological alterations due to COVID-19 pneumonia, and the other two had normal pulmonary perfusion. CONCLUSION: Given the non-specific features of the clinical manifestations and d-dimer values ​​in COVID-19, as well as their similarity to those of PE, pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy plays a crucial role in the screening of PE in these patients due to its high sensitivity and lower irradiation compared to CT. Despite the limited number of patients, the results obtained have special relevance due to the absence of scientific publications in this group of patients within the exceptional context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Nuclear Cardiology in the COVID-19 pandemic]. / La cardiología nuclear en la pandemia COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has a very important relationship with cardiovascular disease. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a close relationship has been observed between cardiovascular comorbidity and a worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients. The study of the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cardiovascular disease suggests several concomitant hypotheses: direct myocardial damage by the virus, hypoxemia secondary to respiratory failure, inflammatory response to infection and/or thromboembolic phenomena. Cardiovascular damage can manifest in the acute phase of infection with acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, arrhythmias..., during this phase Nuclear Cardiology procedures have not played a determining role in the diagnosis and management of these patients. On the other hand, in the subacute phase of the infection and in the post-acute COVID syndrome, Nuclear Cardiology seems to shed light on what happens in the cardiovascular system in this phase of the disease.The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a great challenge for health systems, with a significant reduction in non-urgent diagnostic procedures with the aim of reducing the risk of transmission to patients and health personnel. Nuclear Cardiology has not been an exception. In addition to the prioritization of urgent/non-deferrable procedures and general screening, hygiene and distance measures, the main organizations and scientific societies of Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology released recommendations and guidelines for safe practice, introducing significant changes in myocardial perfusion SPECT protocols.

Gammagrafía cardíaca con 99mTc-difosfonatos en la amiloidosis cardíaca / Cardiac scintigraphy with 99mTc-diphosphonates in cardiac amyloidosis

La amiloidosis cardíaca relacionada con el depósito de transtirretina (ATTR) ha sido tradicionalmente considerada como una enfermedad rara, de difícil diagnóstico y sin tratamiento. Sin embargo, en la actualidad sabemos que su prevalencia es mayor de la considerada, disponemos de métodos diagnósticos no invasivos y están apareciendo tratamientos eficaces. En este contexto, la gammagrafía cardíaca (GC) con difosfonatos marcados con 99mTc ha alcanzado un inusitado interés al mostrar alta sensibilidad y especificidad para el diagnóstico no invasivo y fiable de la ATTR. Este artículo, a modo de guía, pretende identificar los componentes críticos en la realización de la GC que resulten de utilidad en la práctica clínica diaria y, así, ayudar a los especialistas a utilizar los radiofármacos idóneos, obtener las imágenes más adecuadas, interpretar los resultados de estas y conocer los escenarios clínicos en los que resulta apropiado realizar la GC

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) has traditionally been considered a rare, difficult-to-diagnose and untreatable disease. However, its prevalence is known to be greater than what was previously thought, non-invasive diagnostic methods are available, and that effective treatments are emerging. In this context, cardiac scintigraphy (CS) with 99mTc-labelled diphosphonates has aroused a noticeable surge in interest by demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for the reliable, non-invasive diagnosis of ATTR. By way of a guide, this article aims to identify the critical components in the performance of CS that are useful in everyday clinical practice and, thus, help specialists use optimal radiopharmaceuticals, obtain the most appropriate images, interpret the results thereof, and acquaint themselves with those clinical scenarios in which it is convenient to perform CS

Cardiac scintigraphy with 99mTc-diphosphonates in cardiac amyloidosis. / Gammagrafía cardíaca con 99mTc-difosfonatos en la amiloidosis cardíaca.

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) has traditionally been considered a rare, difficult-to-diagnose and untreatable disease. However, its prevalence is known to be greater than what was previously thought, non-invasive diagnostic methods are available, and that effective treatments are emerging. In this context, cardiac scintigraphy (CS) with 99mTc-labelled diphosphonates has aroused a noticeable surge in interest by demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for the reliable, non-invasive diagnosis of ATTR. By way of a guide, this article aims to identify the critical components in the performance of CS that are useful in everyday clinical practice and, thus, help specialists use optimal radiopharmaceuticals, obtain the most appropriate images, interpret the results thereof, and acquaint themselves with those clinical scenarios in which it is convenient to perform CS.

Effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on septal perfusion and septal thickening: Association with left ventricular function, reverse remodelling and dyssynchrony.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on septal perfusion and thickening at 6 months post implantation assessed on Tc99m-MIBI Gated myocardial perfusion SPECT (GMPS).We also studied the association of change in septal perfusion and thickening with primary outcome defined as at least one [improvement in ≥1NYHA class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by ≥ 5%, reduction of end-systolic volume (ESV) by ≥ 15%, and improvement ≥ 5 points in Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ)]. METHOD: One hundred and five patients underwent clinical and GMPS evaluation before and at 6 months post CRT. RESULT: Post CRT there was significant improvement in mean normalized septal perfusion uptake and in septal thickening (P value = 0.001, both). There was no significant relation between improvement in septal perfusion and primary outcome. However, improvement in septal thickening was statistically significant with favorable primary outcome (P = 0.001).There was no significant correlation between improvement of septal perfusion and improvement in LVEF, reduction in End diastolic volume (EDV), ESV, and Left ventricular Dyssynchrony (LVD). But, there was significant correlation between improvement of septal thickening and these parameters. CONCLUSION: Improvement in septal thickening was associated with reverse remodeling, improvement in LVEF, and reduction of LVD.

Gammagrafía de inervación simpática cardiaca con 123I-metayodobencilguanidina. Fundamento, protocolos y aplicaciones clínicas en Cardiología / Cardiac sympathetic innervation scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine. Basis, protocols and clinical applications in Cardiology

La obtención de imágenes de la inervación simpática cardiaca solo es posible mediante técnicas de cardiología nuclear, y su valoración es de importancia decisiva en la evaluación y en la toma de decisiones en pacientes en los que exista deterioro de inervación simpática. Se revisa el fundamento de la gammagrafía de inervación simpática cardiaca con 123I-metayodobencilguanidina (123I-MIBG), los protocolos recomendados para su realización, incluyendo preparación del paciente, técnicas de obtención y cuantificación de imágenes, reproducibilidad, consideraciones dosimétricas, etc. , analizando las indicaciones clínicas de esta exploración en pacientes cardiológicos, principalmente en insuficiencia cardiaca, arritmias, coronariopatía, cardiotoxicidad, contribución a la indicación y seguimiento de respuesta a dispositivos de estimulación cardiaca, tratamiento farmacológico, trasplante cardiaco y otros

Imaging of cardiac sympathetic innervation is only possible by nuclear cardiology techniques and its assessment is key in the evaluation of and decision-making for patients with cardiac sympathetic impairment. This review includes the basis of cardiac sympathetic scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG), recommended protocols, patient preparation, image acquisition and quantification, reproducibility, dosimetry, etc. , and also the clinical indications for cardiac patients, mainly with regard to heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiotoxicity, including its contribution to establishing the indication for and monitoring the response to implantable cardiac devices, pharmacological treatment, heart transplantation and other

Cardiac sympathetic innervation scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine. Basis, protocols and clinical applications in Cardiology. / Gammagrafía de inervación simpática cardiaca con 123I-metayodobencilguanidina. Fundamento, protocolos y aplicaciones clínicas en Cardiología.

Imaging of cardiac sympathetic innervation is only possible by nuclear cardiology techniques and its assessment is key in the evaluation of and decision-making for patients with cardiac sympathetic impairment. This review includes the basis of cardiac sympathetic scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG), recommended protocols, patient preparation, image acquisition and quantification, reproducibility, dosimetry, etc., and also the clinical indications for cardiac patients, mainly with regard to heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiotoxicity, including its contribution to establishing the indication for and monitoring the response to implantable cardiac devices, pharmacological treatment, heart transplantation and other.

Safety of regadenoson in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / Seguridad de regadenosón en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica severa

Objective. To assess the safety of regadenoson, a selective agonist of A2A adenosine receptors, combined with low-level exercise in subjects with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), referred for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Methods. We studied prospectively 12 male patients with severe COPD. Stress was 4min of low-level exercise with bolus injection of regadenoson (0.4mg) at 1.5min, followed by 99mTc-MPI agent injection. Demographics, medical history, lung medications, adverse events, oxygen saturation (SatO2), MPI findings for coronary artery disease (CAD), and changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were registered. Results. The observed adverse event profile of regadenoson was similar to that of patients with mild-moderate COPD. There was no clinical exacerbation of COPD. Adverse events were self-limiting: dyspnea (33.3%), fatigue (25.0%), chest pain, headache (16.7%, respectively), and gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth, flushing, feeling hot and dizziness (8.3%, respectively). 25.0% of patients did not report any symptoms. We observed significant increases in SBP and HR from baseline (142.6mmHg±22.3 vs 152.5mmHg±18.5, and 80 b.p.m.±18 vs 105 b.p.m.±22, respectively; p<0.05). Conclusions. Regadenoson combined with low-level exercise is safe and well tolerated in stable patients with severe COPD undergoing MPI (AU)

Objetivo. Evaluar la seguridad de regadenosón, un agonista selectivo de los receptores adenosínicos A2A, combinado con ejercicio de baja intensidad, en sujetos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) severa, en estudios de perfusión miocárdica. Métodos. Se estudiaron de forma prospectiva 12 pacientes con EPOC severa (todos ellos varones). El estrés consistió en la realización de un ejercicio de baja intensidad durante 4min junto con la administración de un bolo de regadenosón (0,4mg) a los 1,5min, seguido de la inyección del radiofármaco tecneciado de perfusión miocárdica. Se registraron los datos demográficos, el historial médico, la medicación para patología respiratoria, los efectos adversos, la saturación de oxígeno (SatO2), los hallazgos de enfermedad coronaria en el estudio de perfusión miocárdica y los cambios en la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y la frecuencia cardiaca (FC). Resultados. El perfil de efectos adversos de regadenosón fue similar al de pacientes con EPOC leve-moderada. No se produjeron exacerbaciones clínicas de la EPOC. Los efectos adversos experimentados, todos autolimitados, fueron disnea (33,3%), cansancio (25%), dolor torácico, cefalea (16,7%, respectivamente), molestias gastrointestinales, boca seca, rubefacción, calor y mareos (8,3%, respectivamente). El 25% de los pacientes no informaron síntomas. Se observaron aumentos significativos desde los valores basales de la PAS y la FC (142,6mmHg±22,3 vs 152,5mmHg±18,5 y 80l.p.m.±18 vs 105l.p.m.±22, respectivamente; p<0,05). Conclusiones. Regadenosón combinado con ejercicio de baja intensidad es seguro y bien tolerado en pacientes con EPOC severa estable sometidos a estudios de perfusión miocárdica (AU)

Safety of regadenoson in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of regadenoson, a selective agonist of A2A adenosine receptors, combined with low-level exercise in subjects with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), referred for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). METHODS: We studied prospectively 12 male patients with severe COPD. Stress was 4min of low-level exercise with bolus injection of regadenoson (0.4mg) at 1.5min, followed by (99m)Tc-MPI agent injection. Demographics, medical history, lung medications, adverse events, oxygen saturation (SatO2), MPI findings for coronary artery disease (CAD), and changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were registered. RESULTS: The observed adverse event profile of regadenoson was similar to that of patients with mild-moderate COPD. There was no clinical exacerbation of COPD. Adverse events were self-limiting: dyspnea (33.3%), fatigue (25.0%), chest pain, headache (16.7%, respectively), and gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth, flushing, feeling hot and dizziness (8.3%, respectively). 25.0% of patients did not report any symptoms. We observed significant increases in SBP and HR from baseline (142.6mmHg±22.3 vs 152.5mmHg±18.5, and 80 b.p.m.±18 vs 105 b.p.m.±22, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regadenoson combined with low-level exercise is safe and well tolerated in stable patients with severe COPD undergoing MPI.

Calciphylaxis, a cause of 99mTc-diphosphonate soft-tissue uptake / Calcifilaxis, una causa de captación de 99mTc-difosfonatos en partes blandas

No disponible

Preload dependence of gated cardiac SPECT-derived ventricular volumes in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: In hemodialysis (HD) patients, the intravascular volume expansion of the pre-HD state leads to a high preload. We aim to examine its effect on myocardial perfusion gated SPECT (MPGS)-derived left ventricular (LV) volumes. METHODS: The study comprised 50 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on HD with normal 2-day stress/rest MPGS performed for kidney transplantation risk assessment. Patients (pts) comprised 23 men/27 women, with mean age of 59.4 ± 7.1 years. The time elapsed from the last HD session in hours was calculated on both days, and patients were classified according to whether it was higher (group A: 19 pts), lower (group B: 27 pts), or equal (group C: 4 pts) on the stress vs the rest day. End-diastolic, end-systolic volumes (EDV, ESV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined using QGS™ software. Transient ischemic dilation (TID) ratios were derived from the nongated images using QPS™ software. RESULTS: Volumes were significantly higher at stress in group A, at rest in group B, and similar in group C. TID ratios were significantly higher in group A vs groups B and C. CONCLUSIONS: MPGS-derived ventricular volumes are preload dependent. The high preload of the pre-HD state may mimic ischemic TID if occurring on the stress day and create confusion if coinciding with the rest day.

Gammagrafía salival cuantitativa en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello tratados con radioterapia / Quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy in head and neck cancer patients following radiotherapy

Objetivo. Determinar el papel de la gammagrafía salival (GS) cuantitativa en la detección de alteraciones funcionales de las glándulas salivales en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello tratados con radioterapia (RT). Material y métodos. Se estudió a 19 pacientes (17 varones) con edad media de 62,4 años (44–75). Se realizaron tres estudios a cada paciente: basal, a los 3 y a los 18 meses tras la RT. La gammagrafía salival se realizó con 3,7MBq/kg de 99mTc-pertecnetato durante 25 minutos y zumo de limón al final del minuto 15. Se calculó la fracción de excreción (FE), las cuentas máximas/minuto/píxel/MBq (CMPM), el porcentaje de captación a partir de las curvas actividad/tiempo de áreas de interés sobre ambas glándulas parótidas (GP) y glándulas submaxilares (GSM) y la influencia de las dosis recibidas por las parótidas. Resultados. La FE mostró una disminución significativa del estudio basal a los 3 meses (p<0,001), tanto en las GP como en las GSM, y a los 18 meses en las GSM (p<0,001). Se observó un aumento significativo de la FE del estudio a los 3 meses al de los 18 meses (p<0,05). Resultados. La CMPM no cambió significativamente en las GP desde el estudio basal a los de 3 y 18 meses, pero sí en las GSM con disminución significativa (p<0,01) desde el estudio basal al de 18 meses. El porcentaje de captación no cambió significativamente. Se observó correlación moderada entre la dosis a parótidas y los parámetros a los 3 meses post-RT (p<0,05). Conclusiones. La FE presentó mayor sensibilidad que la captación al efecto de la RT sobre la función salival, mostrando, además, recuperación funcional a lo largo del tiempo en las GP(AU)

Objective. To assess the role of quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) in the detection of functional impairment of salivary glands in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT). Material and methods. We studied 19 patients (17 men), mean age 62.4 years (44–75). Three studies were performed to each patient: baseline, 3 and 18 months after RT. SGS was acquired for 25 minutes following injection of 3.7MBq/kg of 99mTc-pertechnetate with lemon juice at the end of minute 15. Material and methods. Excretion fraction (EF), counts per minute/pixel/MBq (CMPM) and uptake percentage were obtained from time-activity curves from ROIs placed over parotid (PG) and submandibular glands (SMG) and related to the doses received by the PG. Results. EF showed a significant reduction from the baseline to the 3 months study (p<0.001) for the PG and SMG and from the baseline to the 18 months study for the SMG (p<0.001). A significant improvement of EF was seen from the 3 months to the 18 months study for the PG (p<0.05). Results. CMPM did not change significantly from the baseline to the 3 months and 18 months studies for the PG and showed a significant reduction (p<0.01) for the SMG from the baseline to 18 months study. The uptake percentage did not change significantly between studies. A moderate association was observed between the doses to PG and the 3m study parameters. Conclusions. EF was more sensitive than uptake in assessing post-RT impairment of salivary function. In addition, it reflected functional recovery of parotid glands over time(AU)

[Quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy in head and neck cancer patients following radiotherapy]. / Gammagrafía salival cuantitativa en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello tratados con radioterapia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) in the detection of functional impairment of salivary glands in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 19 patients (17 men), mean age 62.4 years (44-75). Three studies were performed to each patient: baseline, 3 and 18 months after RT. SGS was acquired for 25 minutes following injection of 3.7 MBq/kg of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate with lemon juice at the end of minute 15. Excretion fraction (EF), counts per minute/pixel/MBq (CMPM) and uptake percentage were obtained from time-activity curves from ROIs placed over parotid (PG) and submandibular glands (SMG) and related to the doses received by the PG. RESULTS: EF showed a significant reduction from the baseline to the 3 months study (p<0.001) for the PG and SMG and from the baseline to the 18 months study for the SMG (p<0.001). A significant improvement of EF was seen from the 3 months to the 18 months study for the PG (p<0.05). CMPM did not change significantly from the baseline to the 3 months and 18 months studies for the PG and showed a significant reduction (p<0.01) for the SMG from the baseline to 18 months study. The uptake percentage did not change significantly between studies. A moderate association was observed between the doses to PG and the 3m study parameters. CONCLUSIONS: EF was more sensitive than uptake in assessing post-RT impairment of salivary function. In addition, it reflected functional recovery of parotid glands over time.

[99mTc-labelled antigranulocyte anibody fragment Fab scintigraphy (sulesomab, leukoscan) and three-phase bone scintigraphy in the study of painful hip and knee prosthesis]. / Gammagrafía con fragmentos Fab' antigranulocitos-99mTc (sulesomab, leukoscan) y ósea en tres fases en el estudio de las prótesis de cadera y rodilla dolorosas.

We aim to assess the diagnostic utility of the combination of a three phase bone scintigraphy (3FBS) and scintigraphy with Fab'antigranulocyte fragments-99mTc (Sulesomab, Leukoscan) in patients with painful joint replacements. We studied 29 patients (22 women and 7 men with mean age 64 years) with knee (15) and hip (14) prosthesis. Scintigraphy was performed with a Siemens Orbiter 75 gammacamera with all purpose collimator. 3FBS was performed as usual with 740 MBq of MDP-99mTc. Sulesomab images were obtained at 1 and 4 hours following injection of 740 MBq, with 300,000 cts per view (knee) and 500,000 cts per view (hip). Both scintigraphic studies were interpreted visually by two nuclear medicine physicians with a 0, 1, 2, 3 score corresponding to normal or mild, moderate or intense hyperactivity respectively. Interpretation criteria for bone infection was Sulesomab uptake grade 2 or 3 in a moderate or large sized area, with congruent hyperactivity on the bone scan. Grade 1 uptake with Sulesomab was considered nonspecific associated to nonseptic conditions. The frequent pattern of uptake in synovial femoral tissue (cap shape sign) in knee prosthesis was considered nonspecific. Diagnostic confirmation procedures were surgery and culture (9) and follow-up (20). All six septic joints were correctly identified. A false positive result was obtained in a case of mechanical loosening in the knee. Negative studies were very helpful in the exclusion of infection. Our conclusion is that sensitivity is high, 100%, and that a normal or grade 1 Sulesomab image makes the presence of infection improbable.

Gammagrafía con fragmentos Fab' antigranulocitos-99mTc (sulesomab, leukoscan) y ósea en tres fases en el estudio de las prótesis de cadera y rodilla dolorosas / 99Mtc-labelled antigranulocyte antibody fragment Fab' scintigraphy (sulesomab, leukoscan) and three-phase bone scintigraphy in the study of painful hip and knee prosthesis

Se pretende conocer el rendimiento diagnóstico de la combinación gammagrafía ósea en tres fases (GO3F) y con fragmentos Fab'antigranulocitos-99mTc (Sulesomab, Leukoscan®) en las artroplastias de cadera y rodilla dolorosas. Se han estudiado 29 pacientes (22 mujeres y 7 hombres, con edad media de 64 años) con artroplastias de rodilla (15) y de cadera (14). Se utilizó una gammacámara Siemens Orbiter 75 con colimador LEAP. La GO3F se realizó según protocolo convencional, con 740 MBq de MDP99mTc. La gammagrafía con Sulesomab-99mTc se obtuvo a 1 h y 4 h p.i. de 740 MBq a 300.000 cts (rodilla) y a 500.000 (cadera). Dos médicos nucleares valoraron visualmente ambos estudios asignando un score de 0, 1, 2 y 3 correspondiente a normal, hiperactividad leve, moderada e intensa respectivamente. El criterio de interpretación para infección ósea fue una captación con Sulesomab de grado 2 ó 3 en un área de tamaño moderado o extenso coincidiendo con hiperactividad en la gammagrafía ósea. Se permitió una captación grado 1 con Sulesomab como inespecífica y asociada a procesos no sépticos. En la rodilla se reconoció el frecuente patrón de captación en tejido sinovial femoral (cap shape sign) inespecífico. La confirmación diagnóstica fue con cirugía y cultivos (9) y seguimiento clínico (20). Se detectaron los 6 procesos sépticos y se obtuvo un falso positivo en un aflojamiento simple de rodilla. Los estudios negativos fueron muy útiles para descartar infección. Concluimos que la sensibilidad es alta 100 per cent y que un estudio con Sulesomab normal o grado 1 hace improbable la presencia de infección. (AU)