What is a Myocardial Perfusion Scan (a.k.a.-- Stress Thallium Scan)? Reason(s) for the Examination:
A myocardial perfusion scan is used to help evaluate the blood flow to the heart muscle and heart function to determine if therapy or more diagnostic imaging is necessary.
Length of Exam:
Usually 1.5 hours, but may get delayed imaging at 4 hours and/or 24 hours later.
Preparation:
Do not drink any caffeine containing beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, and soda pop) for 24 hours prior to the study. Do not take asthma medication, (theophylline or aminophylline), for 72 hours prior to the study. Please be prepared to identify all prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking (some medications may contain caffeine).
Description:
An IV (intravenous) catheter will be inserted in a hand or arm vein. A flow tracer will be injected into the catheter, followed by imaging with a camera rotating around your body. If your weight exceeds the 325-pound limit for the rotating camera table, images will be performed in three angles around your body instead. You will then go to the cardiology stress lab to perform treadmill exercise. If you cannot perform adequate treadmill exercise, medications will be injected into the IV (intravenous) catheter to simulate exercise blood flow response (caffeine may block this response). You will then be injected with another flow tracer through the IV (intravenous) catheter, followed by imaging.