Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the diagnostics of takotsubo syndrome

Abstract

We analyzed the publications about single-photon emission computed tomography in the diagnostics of takotsubo syndrome; the dynamics of testing data are presented on a clinical example. Single-photon emission computed tomography can be used to evaluate perfusion parameters for exclusion of myocardial infarction in uncertain cases. In segments with impaired contractile function, it is possible to detect normal or reduced perfusion. During the acute phase there is a reduced accumulation of radiopharmaceuticals in myocardial segments with impaired function, which coincides with the regional distribution of neuronal activity. Pathological changes may persist for several months, and use of scintigraphy with a radiopharmaceutical may help in cases when the diagnosis was not well-timed established. The method of myocardial scintigraphy in ECG-synchronized tomography allows to simultaneously assess the perfusion and the function of the left ventricle and differentiate such disorder as takotsubo syndrome.