Planar positron imaging of rubidium-82 for myocardial infarction: a comparison with thallium-201 and regional wall motion

Am Heart J. 1989 Sep;118(3):601-10. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(89)90277-9.

Abstract

Rubidium-82 (Rb-82) is a generator-produced, short half-life (76 seconds) positron emitting potassium analog. Using a mobile gamma camera equipped with a rotating tungsten collimator and high-energy shielding, we examined the use of Rb-82 in the coronary care unit and clinical laboratory for detection of perfusion defects due to myocardial infarction. We studied 31 subjects, 10 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 12 with remote myocardial infarction, and nine controls. Rb-82 images were compared with Tl-201 and regional wall motion for detection of infarct-related arteries. Of the 22 patients with myocardial infarction, 16 were identified with Rb-82 and Tl-201. In nine control subjects, eight were normal with each method. Correlation between Rb-82 and Tl-201 defect scores was excellent. Sensitivity and specificity for infarct-related arteries were similar for Rb-82, Tl-201, and wall motion imaging. Thus planar Rb-82 imaging can detect MI reliably in the coronary care unit and in the clinical laboratory.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Care Units
  • Half-Life
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Contraction*
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Rubidium Radioisotopes*
  • Thallium Radioisotopes*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed

Substances

  • Rubidium Radioisotopes
  • Thallium Radioisotopes