Nuclear Medicine Tests

Several non-invasive cardiac tests involve nuclear medicine, or the use of radioactive material. Those tests include:

Exercise myocardial perfusion scan
MUGA scan
Pharmacological myocardial perfusion scan

Exercise Myocardial Perfusion Scan
An exercise myocardial perfusion scan or myoview stress test is a treadmill stress test that combines nuclear scanning with stress testing. The electrical activity of the heart is recorded before, during and after exercise to detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm. Radioactive material also is injected into the blood and pictures are taken to see blood flow to the heart muscle at rest. Electrodes are applied to the arms and chest, a blood pressure cuff is attached to one arm and an IV is started in the other arm. The treadmill is started, first at a slow speed, then faster and more elevated until enough information has been obtained. About one minute before stopping the exercise, a second dose of radioactive material is given and after 30 minutes, a second set of images is taken to show the blood flow to the heart muscle during exercise. The test takes approximately 60 minutes. A radiologist specializing in nuclear medicine and a cardiologist read the test. The report then is sent to the referring physician.

MUGA Scan
A MUGA scan, or multiple gated acquisition, is a test performed to check how strongly and efficiently the heart is pumping. This is done by injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the blood that attaches to the red cells. These radioactive red blood cells act as a contrast dye to the heart muscle, allowing pictures to be taken. A heart monitor is applied to the chest while the patient lies under a scanner and images of the heart are taken with the timing of the heartbeat. The data from multiple heartbeats are formed into one set of averaged images that is read by a radiologist specializing in nuclear medicine. The test takes approximately 60 minutes. The report is sent to the referring physician.

Pharmacological Myocardial Perfusion Scan
A pharmacological myocardial perfusion scan is an exam that combines nuclear scanning with a drug-stimulated stress test. This test is for patients who cannot walk on a treadmill. The drug has an effect on the heart similar to exercise. Radioactive material is injected into the blood and pictures then are taken to see the blood flow to the heart muscle at rest. Electrodes are applied to the arms and chest, a blood pressure cuff is attached to one arm and an IV is started in the other arm. An EKG and blood pressure are taken at rest, to be compared with those taken during and after infusing the medication. The drug is given over six minutes. Thirty minutes after infusion, a second scan is taken to see the blood flow to the heart muscle during that infusion. The test takes approximately 60 minutes. A radiologist specializing in nuclear medicine and a cardiologist read the test. The report then is sent to the referring physician.

If you would like to make an appointment or need assistance to find an appropriate physician, please call us at (888) LUHS-888.