PET Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Purpose

Positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging studies show how well blood flows to the myocardium (the muscle of the heart). The procedure uses a radiopharmaceutical called rubidium-82. Rubidium-82 travels through the bloodstream and is taken up by heart tissue. The PET machine then takes pictures of where the rubidium-82 is located in the heart, to show how well blood flows through the heart.

Two sets of images are taken during PET myocardial perfusion imaging, one at rest and one during stress, when the heart is working hardest. The stress is induced by injection of a drug called Persantine (Dipyridamole), which mimics the effect of exercise on the heart.

Description

1. A nuclear technologist will discuss the test with the patient. The patient is asked to sign a Nuclear Cardiology Registry Consent Form, which will allow the department to keep an electronic record of the test in a secure database.
2. A needle attached to a tube is placed into a vein in each arm.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and leads are placed on the patient’s chest to monitor the heart.
4. The patients’ blood pressure is checked.
5. A small amount of radioactive material (rubidium-82) is administered through the tubes.
6. The patient is asked to lie still on his or her back in the PET machine. The machine takes pictures of the heart for about 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Prior to the stress test, a stress technologist will discuss the stress portion of the test with the patient. The patient is asked to sign a Stress Test Consent Form. The patient should read it carefully and should not hesitate to ask any questions of the technologist or supervising physician. It is important that the patient understands the entire procedure before it begins.
8. The patient receives an injection of Persantine, which will stress the heart.
9. The patient again lies still on his or her back in the PET machine. The machine takes pictures of the heart for another 25 to 30 minutes. Blood pressure and heart rhythm are monitored during the imaging.
10. An injection of a drug called aminophylline is given to the patients. This drug reverses the effect of the Persantine on the heart. The patient may feel tingling in the face after the aminophylline injection.
11. The entire test is completed in about 1 and a half hours.
12. The nuclear technologist processes the study. A physician experienced in the interpretation of the studies reads the test. The report is sent to the patient’s doctor.

Patient Instructions

Prior to taking the test, patients should download, print, and read the University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s detailed diet and medication instructions (pdf).

Patients with diabetes or asthma should check with their doctor for special instructions before the test.