perfusion imaging
Imaging techniques that assess blood flow to the myocardium at rest and during stress conditions.
Full Definition
Myocardial perfusion imaging encompasses various techniques used to evaluate blood flow distribution to the heart muscle, including nuclear SPECT, PET, cardiac MRI perfusion, and contrast echocardiography. These studies typically involve comparison of myocardial blood flow at rest versus during pharmacologic or exercise stress to identify areas of ischemia. Perfusion defects may be classified as reversible (indicating ischemia), fixed (suggesting scar tissue), or partially reversible (mixed ischemia and scar). The techniques utilize different tracers or contrast agents that distribute proportionally to regional blood flow, allowing detection of coronary artery disease before wall motion abnormalities develop.
Usage
Usage note: Specify imaging modality and tracer/contrast agent used when relevant.
In Context
- "Stress perfusion imaging revealed a large reversible defect in the anteroseptal territory." — Nuclear cardiology report
- "Cardiac MRI perfusion imaging demonstrated subendocardial ischemia during adenosine stress." — Advanced cardiac imaging report