| Perfusion
imaging using dual-isotope Technetium-99m Sestamibi (Cardiolyte) and thallium tracers
demonstrates a significant reversible perfusion defect in the inferior wall (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). Reversible defects indicate ischemia, or a reduction of blood flow with
increasing metabolic demands. The fact the the resting images return to normal
(reverse) indicates that there has been no permanent injury to the heart muscle This patient underwent Cardiac Catheterization that showed a
high grade blockage to his right coronary artery. Successful angioplasty with primary stent placement
was performed, reducing the severity of the lesion from 90 percent to less than 10
percent. His chest discomfort did not recur.
Importantly, his risk factors for progression of coronary
artery disease were addressed. The high blood pressure was treated with medication
as was the hyperlipidemia. He was discharged home on the day following his
procedure. |
