Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The value of SPECT-thallium scanning in screening for myocardial contusion

  • Clinical Investigations
  • Published:
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this prospective study of 40 patients sustaining blunt chest trauma, the value of single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)-thallium scanning in the prediction of morbidity due to cardiac contusion was examined. Twelve patients developed cardiac complications—arrhythmias, ventricular conduction defects, and pericarditis. The sensitivity of SPECT-thallium scans was 55.6%, and the specificity was 32.1%, with an accuracy of 37.8%. Accuracy of the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was 85%, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 82.1%. Patients with a normal ECG on admission rarely developed cardiac complications. It is concluded that SPECT-thallium is no a useful screening tool in this patient population.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Waxman K, Soliman MH, Braunstein P, Formosa P, Cohen AJ, Matsuura P, Mason GR (1986) Diagnosis of traumatic cardiac contusion. Arch Surg 121:689–692

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. Chicago, 1990

  3. Tenzer ML (1985) The spectrum of myocardial contusion: A review. J Trauma 25:620–627

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Harley DP, Mena I, Narahara KA, Miranda R, Nelson RJ (1984) Traumatic myocardial dysfunction. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 87:386–393

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Mayfield W, Hurley EJ (1984) Blunt cardiac trauma. Am J Surg 148:162–167

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Frazee RC, Mucha P, Farnell MB, Miller FA (1986) Objective evaluation of blunt cardiac trauma. J Trauma 26:510–520

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Rodriguez A, Shatney C (1982) The value of technetium99m pyrophosphate scanning in the diagnosis of myocardial contusion. Am Surg 48:472–474

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Maublant J, Cassagnes J, Le Jeune J, Mestas D, Veyre A, Jallut H, Meyniel G (1982) A comparison between conventional scintigraphy and emission tomography with thallium-201 in the detection of myocardial infarction: Concise communication. J Nucl Med 23:204–208

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Surgery and Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

    Peter M. Pavlina, David K. Evans, Thomas A. Broadie, Hee M. Park & Donald S. Schauwecker

  2. Department of Surgery, Wright State University, 1 Wyoming Street, 45409, Dayton, OH, USA

    Mary C. McCarthy M.D.

Authors
  1. Mary C. McCarthy M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Peter M. Pavlina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. David K. Evans
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Thomas A. Broadie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hee M. Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Donald S. Schauwecker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

McCarthy, M.C., Pavlina, P.M., Evans, D.K. et al. The value of SPECT-thallium scanning in screening for myocardial contusion. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 14, 238–240 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02578469

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02578469

Key words

Search

Navigation