Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is a nuclear medicine imaging method that evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle. It has high accuracy in diagnosing coronary artery disease.
What is Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy?#
MPS images blood flow to the heart muscle using radioactive material (isotope). Ischemia or scar tissue is detected by comparing rest and stress images.
Advantages of MPS:
- High diagnostic accuracy
- Quantitative evaluation
- Viability detection
- Prognostic information
MPS Indications#
Diagnostic Indications#
- Suspected coronary artery disease
- Chest pain evaluation
- Inconclusive stress test result
- High-risk patients
Prognostic Evaluation#
- Known coronary artery disease
- Post-myocardial infarction
- Pre/post-revascularization
- Heart failure
Viability Evaluation#
- Low ejection fraction
- Before bypass surgery
- Viable myocardium detection
How is MPS Performed?#
Stress Protocol#
Exercise Stress:
- Treadmill or bicycle
- Preferred method
Pharmacological Stress:
- Adenosine or dipyridamole
- For patients who cannot exercise
Procedure Steps#
- Stress application: Exercise or medication
- Isotope injection: At peak stress
- Stress imaging: 15-30 minutes later
- Rest injection: Separate day or same day
- Rest imaging: For comparison
Procedure Duration#
Total duration: 3-4 hours (single-day protocol)
Pre-MPS Preparation#
General Preparation#
- 4 hours fasting
- Caffeine restriction (24 hours)
- Comfortable clothing
Medication Adjustment#
- Beta blockers (48 hours before)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Methylxanthines (theophylline)
MPS Results#
Normal Findings#
- Homogeneous isotope uptake
- Rest and stress images similar
- No ischemia findings
Abnormal Findings#
| Finding | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reversible defect | Ischemia |
| Fixed defect | Scar/infarct |
| Partially reversible | Ischemia + scar |
| Transient dilation | Severe disease |
MPS Risks#
Risks are low:
- Radiation exposure (low dose)
- Pharmacological stress side effects
- Allergic reaction (rare)
MPS vs Other Tests#
| Test | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| MPS | Quantitative, viability | Radiation |
| Stress Echo | No radiation | Operator dependent |
| Coronary CT | Anatomical imaging | No functional info |
Frequently Asked Questions#
Does MPS contain radiation?
How long does MPS take?
Do I need to fast for MPS?
When do MPS results come out?
Can MPS be done during pregnancy?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Related Diagnostic Tests#
Other diagnostic tests related to myocardial perfusion scintigraphy:
- Exercise Stress Test - Exercise stress test
- Stress Echocardiography - Exercise echo
- Cardiac CT - Computed tomography
- Cardiac Angiography - Coronary artery imaging
- Coronary Artery Disease - About coronary artery disease