Nuclear Ventriculography

What is a Nuclear Ventriculography?

ALTERNATIVE NAMES: 

Pictures gated blood; MUGA scan; Nuclear heart scans; Radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) 

DEFINITION: 

It is called a test that uses markers to make visible the chambers and blood vessels of the heart radioactive materials. This procedure is non-invasive and instruments not directly touch the heart.

HOW DO THE TEST? 

The test is done while the person is at rest.
The doctor injects a radioactive material called technetium into the vein. This substance attaches to red blood cells and passes through the heart in the blood flowing. With special cameras or scanners substance as it travels through the heart area tracks. In other words, the red blood cells within the heart that carry radioactive material, form an image that the camera sees. Images can be combined with an electrocardiogram, and using a computer software, you can make it appear as if the heart is moving.

WHAT YOU FEEL DURING THE TEST? 

You may feel a brief sting or pinch when the IV is inserted, usually in the arm, and it is likely that the person has trouble staying still during the exam.

WHY DO THE TEST? 

The test shows how well blood is being pumped through different parts of the heart.

NORMAL VALUES: 
Normal results indicate that the eject function of the heart is normal. The test can check both general ejection force of the heart, known as ejection fraction (a normal value is above 55%), as the movement of individual parts of the body. If part of the heart is moving poorly while others move well, this may mean that there is a blockage in the heart artery that carries blood to the damaged part.

ABNORMAL VALUES: 
Abnormal results may indicate a poor pumping function, a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction), blockages in the coronary arteries (coronary artery disease), heart valve disease or other heart conditions that weaken heart function.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS? 

The scans have a very low risk of complications. Exposure to the radioisotope, which releases a small amount of radiation is safe for patients who undergo these tests occasionally.