Value of Thallium-201 Studies to Assess Coronary Stent Patency and to Detect Restenosis

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the value of 20IT1 scans to detect restenosis following coronary stent implantation. Of 47 patients who had a coronary stent implantation, 38 with 44 stent implants underwent stress perfusion imaging and repeat coronary angiography 3 months after the procedure. The angiographic restenosis rate was 31.8%. A perfusion defect on stress image which showed redistribution at rest was considered a positive scan. Thallium scans were found to have a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 93.3%. A nonreperfusing defect was observed in all false-negative studies. Normal myocardial perfusion always co-existed with the patent stents, with no significant luminal compromise. An unimpaired perfusion on scan strongly suggested adequate patency of the stented arterial segment.