What is a thallium viability study?

A Nuclear Medicine Thallium Viability Scan is a test used to evaluate the blood flow to the heart. After a heart attack (myocardial infarction), some of the heart muscle may be permanently damaged or scarred. Once this occurs, the area affected will cease to function properly.

What is a cardiac viability study?

A cardiac viability scan is done to assess how much heart muscle has. been damaged by a heart attack or heart disease. It checks: • Blood supply to your heart. • How well your heart muscle works (viability)

What are the benefits of using thallium 201?

The use of Tl-201 eliminates bowel and liver obstruction of the heart on the images as the method of uptake is via the sodium potassium pump used in the muscle movement of the left ventricle and does not clear through the hepatobilliary system.

What is thallium 201used for?

Thallium-201 is a radiopharmaceutical used in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using either planar or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) techniques for the diagnosis and localization of myocardial infarction.

Can you drive after a thallium stress test?

While you are walking on the treadmill, a second small amount of Myoview is administered. Following the treadmill test, there is another waiting period followed by a second imaging scan. If you are an outpatient, you will be permitted to drive after your test is completed.

Is thallium stress test painful?

Most people tolerate the thallium stress test very well. You may feel a sting as the medication that simulates exercise is injected, followed by a warm feeling. Some people may experience headache, nausea, and a racing heart.

How do you study viability?

A viability study is an in-depth study that tries to determine how profitable a business idea is. The investigation also tries to determine whether it is possible to convert the idea into a business enterprise.

How long does it take to do a thallium stress test?

This is a three part test: 1) a set of pictures when your heart is at rest, 2) a stress test, 3) a second set of pictures after your heart has been stressed. This procedure can last from 2 to 4 hours depending on how long your body takes to clear the isotopes.

Is thallium still used in rat poison?

Thallium was used historically as a rodenticide, but has since been banned in the United States due to its toxicity from accidental exposure.

Why is Thallium-201 used in medicine?

Thallium-201 is a radiopharmaceutical agent used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and parathyroid hyperactivity. Other useful applications for a thallium-201 scan, like tumor diagnosis and olfacto-scintigraphy, are being explored and have shown promising results in various studies.

Where is thallium found?

Thallium is found in several ores. One of these is pyrites, which is used to produce sulfuric acid. Some thallium is obtained from pyrites, but it is mainly obtained as a by-product of copper, zinc and lead refining. Thallium is also present in manganese nodules found on the ocean floor.

What happens when Thallium 201 enters the body?

The radioactive isotope thallium 201 behaves physiologically as a potassium analog, and when injected intravenously accumulates rapidly within the cells of many organs. Uptake of the isotope reflects both regional perfusion and sodium-potassium pump activity.

What is the purpose of a thallium viability scan?

When to take pictures of thallium in the heart?

Over a period of time the thallium will be taken into the “good” healthy heart muscle but will not be taken up by any scarred or “bad” heart muscle. Pictures are taken at 30 minutes, 6 hours and the next morning at 24 hours after the injection, to see if the amount of the thallium tracer in the heart has changed.

How is thallium tracer measured in the heart?

Pictures are taken at 30 minutes, 6 hours and the next morning at 24 hours after the injection, to see if the amount of the thallium tracer in the heart has changed. Using this test the cardiologist can determine if there is an adequate amount of this “hibernating” or “stunned” tissue, verses heart tissue that is permanently damaged.

What is a thallium viability study? A Nuclear Medicine Thallium Viability Scan is a test used to evaluate the blood flow to the heart. After a heart attack (myocardial infarction), some of the heart muscle may be permanently damaged or scarred. Once this occurs, the area affected will cease to function properly. What is a…