Enhanced Tc-99(m)-MIBI SPECT detection of hibernating myocardium followingthe use of sub-lingual nitroglycerine

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of detecting hibern ating myocardium using Tc-99(m)-MIBI SPECT imaging following the use of sub lingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Thirty-eight subjects were studied, five asymptomatic and 33 with a history of myocardial ischaemia or myocardial i nfarction (MI). The study was conducted on two separate days, both at rest, one under controlled basal conditions and the other 20 min following the s ublingual administration of GTN. A total of 190 cardiac segments were quali tatively analysed and 72 segments with fixed defects were compared to the s tudy following the use of GTN for evidence of improved radionuclide uptake. Following GTN, 73.6% of fixed segment defects showed no change in uptake, 5.5% showed probable improvement whilst in 20.8% a definite enhanced uptake was demonstrated. In 3.7% of segments, worsening of radionuclide uptake wa s observed. ((C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins).