Noninvasive Evaluation of Regional Myocardial Perfusion with Potassium 43

Abstract

Six patients with angina pectoris received intravenous injections of potassium 43 both at rest and during exercise. Perfusion abnormalities were detected on the scans obtained during exercise which were not seen on the atrest studies. Three normal patients were studied both at rest and during exercise, and all had normal scans on both occasions. Three patients with documented myocardial infarctions had abnormal scans when studied at rest. By combining the potassium-43 scan and exercise stress testing, the site and extent of transient myocardial ischemia can be evaluated.