CLINICAL VALIDATION OF A RADIONUCLIDE DETECTOR TO MEASURE EJECTION FRACTION IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

The use of a new non-imaging nuclear probe (Cardioscint) capable of co ntinuous online monitoring of left ventricular function is described i n critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Ejection fraction, measured by the Cardioscint, was compared with that measured by echocardiography. The mean difference was -1.1% (95% confidence in terval -2.9 to +0.6%). Mean difference +/-2 so was +10.6 to -12.8% (95 % confidence intervals +7.5 to +13.6% and -15.8 to -9.0%, respectively ). Examples of fluid loading and inotropic support showed comparable c hanges in stroke counts measured by the Cardioscint and stroke index m easured by thermodilution. The Cardioscint is a practical bedside meth od for continuous or repeated measurement of ejection fraction and for assessing the response to therapeutic interventions in critically ill patients.