HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does This Cardiac Radionuclide Stress Test Indicate?

default
Posted on Thu, 24 Dec 2015
Question: I had a cardiac radionuclide stress test. The study indicated a moderate adjacent gut uptake (image showed small intestine into stomach during the stress image. I am a nurse practitioner and will discuss this further, but wanted an idea of the reason for this and potential clinical significance if any. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Gut uptake in radionuclide heart scan is an artifact

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. The radioactive material used in cardiac radionuclide test contains 99mTc isotope. This is distributed over the region of interest during the testing.

2. The 99mTc is metabolized in the hepatobiliary system and can enter the gut through the liver.

3. Though the gut uptake is less in most patients, it can be moderate in people who have had heavy meals on the previous day. This is an artifact and does not have any clinical significance attached. Gut uptake should be minimized so that the image quality is better along the heart - inferior wall of left ventricle.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Cardiologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Does This Cardiac Radionuclide Stress Test Indicate?

Brief Answer: Gut uptake in radionuclide heart scan is an artifact Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. 1. The radioactive material used in cardiac radionuclide test contains 99mTc isotope. This is distributed over the region of interest during the testing. 2. The 99mTc is metabolized in the hepatobiliary system and can enter the gut through the liver. 3. Though the gut uptake is less in most patients, it can be moderate in people who have had heavy meals on the previous day. This is an artifact and does not have any clinical significance attached. Gut uptake should be minimized so that the image quality is better along the heart - inferior wall of left ventricle. Hope your query is answered. Please do write back if you have any doubts. Regards,