Use and utility of radiology in the work-up of
Cardiac ischemia
How would you plan imaging workup of patients suspected to have cardiac ischemia?
- CXR is needed to rule out other causes for chest pain.
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE): As a screening test to evaluate cardiac function. Portable.
- Treadmill and EKG study: usually the first study performed Stress Echocardiogram
- Nuclear Medicine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging : Done after initial screening tests suggest ischemia. Evaluates extent of ischemia and reversibilty.
- MUGA : May be indicated to evaluate cardiac function.
- Coronary angiography and catheterization: Necessary to assess extent of stenosis of coronary vessels.
- PET and MR imaging : Not extensively used clinically.
Myocardial perfusion and function scans