What is a thallium scan used for?
What is a thallium scan or a cardiolite scan? A thallium (or cardiolite) scan uses a radioactive tracer to see how much blood is reaching different parts of your heart. These tests are the more common forms of tests called nuclear medicine scans.
How does a thallium scan work?
Thallium scan: A method of examining the heart to obtain information about the blood supply to the heart muscle. In the scan, special cameras take a series of pictures of the heart. Radioactive sestamibi is injected into the bloodstream and serves as a tracer.
How do you read a thallium scan report?
Thallium scanning in coronary artery disease (CAD) using radioactive thallium-201(201Tl) is a widely available technique which is sensitive, accurate and noninvasive….Diagnostic utility.
| Image | Sensitivity | Specificity |
|---|---|---|
| Planar | 82% | 88% |
| SPECT | 94% | 77% |
| Bull’s eye | 95% | 61% |
What are the indications and contraindications of myocardial scintigraphy?
Major contraindications to stress myocardial perfusion imaging include: acute coronary syndromes prior to medical stabilization, critical aortic stenosis, known or suspected high-grade left main coronary artery stenosis, uncontrolled arrhythmias, decompensated congestive heart failure, acute aortic dissection, acute …
Why is a thallium stress test ordered?
The thallium stress test is an imaging study that shows your doctor how well blood flows to your heart. It measures your blood flow during rest and after exercise.
Why is thallium used in a stress test?
A thallium stress test is a nuclear medicine study that shows your physician how well blood flows through your heart muscle while you’re exercising or at rest. This exam also allows your physician to visualize whether there has been any damage done to your heart by any problems you may have had previously.
Is thallium scanning safe?
The thallium stress test is a very safe procedure, and you’re closely monitored the whole time. But it may have some risks, including: Allergic reaction to thallium. Dizziness
What kind of stress test is a thallium scan?
Sometimes called a “Thallium scan” or “nuclear scintigraphy”, this stress test is similar to an echo stress test, but it focuses in more on the coronary arteries and their ability to deliver blood to the heart under stress.
When to use thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scanning?
Thallium -201 myocardial perfusion scanning can assess regional myocardial perfusion noninvasively. As it is both time-consuming and expensive its use should be restricted to specific diagnostic problems. The clinical indications in known or suspected coronary artery disease are reviewed.
Where does the radiation go in the thallium test?
The radioisotope will flow through your bloodstream and end up in your heart. Once the radiation is in your heart, a special camera called a gamma camera can detect the radiation and reveal any issues your heart muscle is having.
When do you need to fast for thallium test?
The gamma camera then records pictures that show the flow of blood through your heart. Your doctor will compare these pictures with the set of resting images to evaluate how weak or strong the blood flow to your heart is. You’ll probably need to fast after midnight the night before the test or at least four hours before the test.