| Dual-isotope
perfusion imaging using Technetium-99m Sestamibi and thallium tracers shows a large
reversible perfusion defect in the anterolateral and inferolateral walls (red arrows).
This defect is present during stress (the 1st, 3rd and 5th rows from
top- white bars at left) and resolves with rest (see the 2nd, 4th and 6th rows-- red bars
at left). Careful inspection also reveals reversible perfusion defects in the
inferior (bottom) wall as well as portions of the anterior (top) wall. Reversible
defects indicate ischemia, or a reduction of blood flow with increasing metabolic demands.
Cardiac Catheterization was performed,
showing severe stenoses (blockages) in all three major coronary arteries. The
circumflex, or side, artery was the most severely narrowed. Also, the Left Anterior
Descending and the Right Coronary Artery were significantly affected. He
underwent uneventful three vessel coronary artery bypass surgery. Ventricular (heart
muscle) function was normal after the surgery, suggesting that no permanent injury had
occurred. |
