MUGA - Gated Blood Pool - Rest

Overview

The resting electrocardiographic Gated Blood Pool Nuclear Medicine Study evaluates right and left regional ventricular wall motion and ejection fraction at rest. A radiotracer that is confined to the vascular space, such as Tc-99m red blood cells, is used to acquire images of the heart at multiple intervals throughout the cardiac cycle. These images are displayed dynamically to evaluate wall motion visually or are analyzed with region of interest to quantitate ventricular ejection fraction.

Indications

  • Evaluate ventricular regional wall motion.
  • Quantitate ventricular ejection fractions.
  • Monitor cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin.
  • Differentiate pulmonary and cardiac causes of dyspnea.

Study Description

The patient will have some blood drawn that will be used in the Red Cell tagging process. It takes about 45 minutes to tag the patient’s red cells with the radiopharmaceutical. The tagged cells will then be reinjected intravenously and serial images will be acquired 5-minutes after injection that will last 15 minutes.

Examination Time

  • 1 Hour

Patient Preparation

  • Ensure the patient is not pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Place three EKG leads on the patient.
  • Ensure good electrical contact. This can be done by preparing the skin with methyl alcohol and/or extra-fine sandpaper.
  • The right arm lead is placed in the region of the right axilla, the left arm lead in the region of the left axilla, and the left leg lead in the upper quadrant of the abdomen.