Advantages of Prone vs. Supine in Myocardial Perfusion

Abstract

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging is usually employed for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Coronary artery diseases are better detected with non-invasive MPI technique. There are different types of imaging techniques in MPI. The best so far is SPECT imaging methods. As reported by the previous studies, SPECT prone imaging techniques gave better acquisition of CAD rather than supine imaging methods. This research deals with a combined analysis of different experiments that were done in order to get the better imaging results in myocardial perfusion imaging.

Abstracti

Introduction1

Discussion2

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging2

Before Test MPI Procedure3

During Test Procedures3

Imaging6

Advantages of Prone vs. Supine in Myocardial Perfusion8

Conclusion10

References12

Advantages of Prone vs. Supine in Myocardial Perfusion

Introduction

Myocardial perfusion means the flow of blood within the cardiac muscles. It is an organized process which includes the blood flow within the epicardial vessels and the endothelial layer. In case of endothelial function abnormalities, it may lead to certain cardiovascular problems and also plays a role in developing coronary artery diseases (CAD). CAD is caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to heart (NHS, 2012). In normal conditions, sympathetic stimulations results in epicardial and arteriolar vasodilatation processes. It causes a release of nitric oxide particularly dependent on endothelial tissues. Vasoconstriction may occur if there is any kind of malfunctioning involved in endothelial tissues as a result of which vasodilation is affected. Atherosclerosis causes the narrowing of coronary arteries, in order to normalize the blood flow; the autoregulation system reduces the resistance of perfusion beds. This process ultimately leads to restorations of myocardial oxygen supply (Karamitsos D.T., 2012).

People with history of coronary artery disease (CAD) can avail this non-invasive method of myocardial perfusion for the diagnosis of cardiac diseases. However, SPECT or single-photon emission computed tomography is the most common technique used for the evaluation of CAD. The following techniques have also been developed and are beneficial for diagnosis of coronary artery diseases: 1. Positron emission tomography (PET) 2. Cardiac MRI3. Cardiac computed tomography 4. Myocardial contrast echocardiography.

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

It is a non-invasive stress test for cardiac patients. Non-invasive procedure does not involve the use of surgical tools that ruptures the skin or physically enters the body. Myocardial Perfusion Imaging or MPI is employed for determining the functions of myocardium i.e. heart muscles. It is used for evaluating cardiac issues such as coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other cardiac wall motion problems. Myocardial motion abnormalities can be determined by evaluating the LVEF or Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction of the heart.MPI procedures are usually performed in combination with a stress test.

MPI employs the entry of radiopharmaceuticals via the intravenous route and helps in the determination of blood flow within the heart muscles. Perfusion imaging locates the areas that are subjected to reduced blood flow which is mainly due to ischemia or scars. Imaging can be performed either at rest or during cardiac stress. MPI can also be done during over stress condition such as when tracer injection is used during chest ...