What is a cardiac SPECT scan and when is it needed?
A SPECT scan is one of the most commonly used tests in nuclear medicine imaging. SPECT (single-photon emission computerized tomography) that uses a radioactive tracer in your blood to capture 3D images of your heart.
A cardiac SPECT is a scan of your heart to see how blood goes to the heart at rest and during exercise (stress). It includes a test of your heart at rest and stress, which requires you to get your heart rate up by walking on a treadmill or by using a chemical to stress your heart.
A SPECT scan helps your doctor see how well your heart is working and how the blood is flowing in or out. It’s an important diagnostic tool used for detecting early heart disease, assessing functionality or spotting signs of a prior heart attack. This scan can identify parts of the heart that are not receiving adequate blood flow, which can cause irreversible damage.
Indications:
- Chest pain
- Myocardial infarct
- Coronary artery disease
What are the risks?
Please let the office know if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, as the radiotracers maybe harmful to a fetus.
The risk to other people is very low, so these scans are considered safe and effective ways to diagnose disease.
How do you prepare for a cardiac SPECT scan?
- 1 or 2 day testing
- Exam can take 2-3 hours
- 4-6 hours fasting
- No caffeine for 24 hours
- May have to be off certain medications (the office will let you know)
- Wear comfortable clothes or athletic wear and wear sneakers to walk in
How does a nuclear rest/stress scan work?
Rest: A nuclear medicine technologist starts an IV in your arm. A radioactive material is administered through the IV at rest. Once the radiotracer is injected, a special camera is then used to take pictures of your heart at rest.
Stress: Treadmill or Chemical stress - A radioactive material is administered through the IV at stress. Once the radiotracer is injected, a special camera is then used to take pictures of your heart at stress.
Your doctor compares the images of your heart at rest and at stress to see if there are differences in blood flow or whether your heart is performing normally.
What should I expect after my nuclear stress scan?
It usually take 24-48 hours for your doctor to receive a report. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radiotracer out of your body, what does not get flushed out of your body will decay out. There are no other restrictions.