perfusion defect
An area of reduced blood flow to the myocardium, typically identified on nuclear imaging or cardiac MRI.
Full Definition
A perfusion defect represents an area of diminished myocardial blood flow that appears as a region of reduced uptake on nuclear perfusion imaging or delayed enhancement on cardiac MRI perfusion studies. Perfusion defects may be reversible (indicating ischemia) or fixed (suggesting scar tissue from prior infarction). The size, location, and reversibility of perfusion defects provide crucial information about coronary artery disease severity and prognosis. These findings are typically described in terms of vascular territories and quantified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the degree of uptake reduction compared to normal myocardium.
Usage
Usage note: Always describe as 'defect' not 'deficit' in cardiac imaging context. Specify whether reversible or fixed.
In Context
- "A moderate perfusion defect was noted in the LAD territory on SPECT imaging." — Nuclear cardiology report
- "The perfusion defect showed partial reversibility with rest imaging." — Stress testing report