Abstract
A semi quantitative method with thallium has been applied in the management of cardiac transplants. In all, 142 scans were performed in 20 patients and were arranged in 3 groups that represent respectively all controls performed to the transplants (G1), and a selection of the scans obtained during the 1st rejection episode in each patient (G2) and the 2nd if present (G3). A heart/lung index was calculated through early and late images (IA, IB), obtained 5 min and 4 h post injection of thallium. A decrease in IA was detected during acute rejection in all groups. This fall was statistically significant from the mild to moderate rejection degree in G1 (P < 0.01), and the mild rejection in G3 (P < 0.001). IB was not modified with rejection. Comparing the biopsies with and without edema, in the absence of rejection, it has been proved that the intra myocardial edema can produce a decrease in IA (P < 0.001). We conclude that IA is a simple and sensitive index to evaluate the graft, although intra myocardial edema can reduce its specificity
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Richter, J., Herreros, J., Serena, A. et al. 201Tl myocardial perfusion in the management of the transplanted heart. Eur J Nucl Med 16, 167–171 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01146856
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01146856