Assessment of myocardial perfusion in chest pain and angiographically intact coronary arteries via single-photon emission computed tomography combined with X-ray computed tomography

Abstract

Aim. To assess myocardium perfusion and functional state, by the data from single-photon computed emission tomography combined with X-ray computed tomography (SPECT/CT) at exercise testing circumstances, in patients with chest pain and intact coronary arteries.Material and methods. Totally, 31 patient studied, each of those underwent Holter ECG monitoring, selective coronary arteriography and SPECT/CT of myocardium at rest and in veloergometry.Results. In patients with unchanged coronary arteries there is a decrease of perfusion reserve, due to primary microcirculation disorders and secondary causes, that present with verified by visualizing radionuclide method SPECT/CT transient ischemia of myocardium.Conclusion. It is important to investigate thoroughly patients with chest pains and angiographically unchanged vessels; the role of perfusion scintigraphy in these patients is high.

Keywords

• single photon emission computed tomography
• microvascular dysfunction
• microvascular angina
• myocardial perfusion