What is it ?What is it ?
'Thallium study' is a general term used for 'Stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphic study', a test which is aimed at viewing the distribution of blood to the heart muscle. The distribution varies between a patient with previous heart attack, a patient of angina and a normal individual. Thallium 201 (Tl201) and Technicium 99m (Tc99m)- radiopharmaceuticals are used for this study. These radiopharmaceuticals map the distribution of blood supply to the heart muscle when imaging is done using a Gamma Camera/SPECT.This is performed on exercise and at rest.
Why is it done?
To accurately delineate the distribution of blood to the heart muscle during rest and exercise.
This is helpful in assessing the stress-induced reduction in blood supply on exercise, to a region of the heart muscle.
This determines the severity and extent of ischaemia (reduced blood supply).
How is it done?
The patient is asked to do exercise on a treadmill under clinical monitoring. Gamma ray emitting medical radioisotope, which maps the heart muscle, is injected by a simple intravenous injection into a superficial vein of the arm.
Follow the instructions given, which generally are as follows:
Come fasting on the day of the test at 9:00 am or as advised (Water can be taken).
(Liquids / light solid food is allowed after the 1st phase of the study is done)
Stop/ allow cardiac medicines on the day of the test as advised (Please keep the medicines with you).
Bring your old medical records.
An adult/ responsible attendant should accompany the patient.
'Thallium study' is a general term used for 'Stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphic study', a test which is aimed at viewing the distribution of blood to the heart muscle. The distribution varies between a patient with previous heart attack, a patient of angina and a normal individual. Thallium 201 (Tl201) and Technicium 99m (Tc99m)- radiopharmaceuticals are used for this study. These radiopharmaceuticals map the distribution of blood supply to the heart muscle when imaging is done using a Gamma Camera/SPECT.This is performed on exercise and at rest.
Why is it done?
To accurately delineate the distribution of blood to the heart muscle during rest and exercise.
This is helpful in assessing the stress-induced reduction in blood supply on exercise, to a region of the heart muscle.
This determines the severity and extent of ischaemia (reduced blood supply).
How is it done?
The patient is asked to do exercise on a treadmill under clinical monitoring. Gamma ray emitting medical radioisotope, which maps the heart muscle, is injected by a simple intravenous injection into a superficial vein of the arm.
- A study is acquired under the Gamma Camera/ SPECT after exercise and at rest (1st & 2nd phase).
- Analysis of the study is performed on a computer and a report is generated.
- A third phase of the study may be done on the next day if required (for this the patient has to come at the given time, for about 2 hrs, without any particular preparation)
- Report is given to the patients after 2 working days.
When it is done/advised?
- Diagnosis of Ischemic heart disease/ Coronary artery disease.
- Assessment of presence, severity and extent of ischaemia due to coronary artery disease detected by angiography. This helps in deciding the line of treatment.
- For follow and assessment of patients after CABG or PTCA.
- Detection of hibernating ('revivable') myocardium (immobile yet living heart muscle) in patients who already had infarction ('Heart attack').
Follow the instructions given, which generally are as follows:
Come fasting on the day of the test at 9:00 am or as advised (Water can be taken).
(Liquids / light solid food is allowed after the 1st phase of the study is done)
Stop/ allow cardiac medicines on the day of the test as advised (Please keep the medicines with you).
Bring your old medical records.
An adult/ responsible attendant should accompany the patient.