Technetium pyrophosphate myocardial scanning in acute myocardial infarction

Authors

Arunkumar N. Mehta
Sidney Goldstein
Daniel S. Marks
Albert Kasenter
William R. Eyler

Abstract

Technetium 99m pyrophosphate (99mTCPyP) accumulates in recently infarcted myocardium and can be detected by external imaging techniques. This study was performed to evaluate the ability of this isotope to identify the presence of acute myocardial infarction. In 82 patients admitted to a coronary care unit with chest pain of varying etiology, scan was positive in all 13 patients with acute transmural myocardial infarction and in 23 of 27 patients with nontransmural myocardial infarction. The scan was negative in 37 of 42 patients without evidence of recent infarction. Four of the remaining five patients in this group had unstable angina pectoris. The authors believe TCPyP myocardial scanning is an easy, noninvasive, and highly reliable test for detection of acute myocardial infarction when performed within seven days of the onset of chest pain. The method has particular significance when standard diagnostic aids are difficult to interpret. It was also extremely helpful in substantiating the diagnosis of nontransmural infarction.

Recommended Citation

Mehta, Arunkumar N.; Goldstein, Sidney; Marks, Daniel S.; Kasenter, Albert; and Eyler, William R. (1977) "Technetium pyrophosphate myocardial scanning in acute myocardial infarction," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 25 : No. 1 , 13-20.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol25/iss1/3