From the Research
Myocardial Perfusion Scan (MPS) Stress Test in Heart Transplant Patients
- The use of Myocardial Perfusion Scan (MPS) stress test in heart transplant patients is not contraindicated, as studies have shown its safety and feasibility in this population 1, 2, 3.
- A study published in 2001 found that dobutamine stress myocardial perfusion imaging is a safe and feasible method for evaluating coronary artery disease in heart transplant recipients, with a lower prevalence of arrhythmias and minor complications compared to control patients 1.
- Another study from 2000 demonstrated that myocardial perfusion scintigraphy can be used as a screening method for significant coronary artery stenosis in cardiac transplant recipients, with a high predictive value for detecting lesions suitable for revascularization 2.
- The diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of dobutamine stress myocardial perfusion imaging have also been demonstrated in heart transplant recipients 3.
- However, it is essential to consider the individual patient's condition and medical history when deciding to perform an MPS stress test, as some studies suggest that inhomogeneous myocardial stress perfusion may predict a higher risk for future development of allograft dysfunction in heart transplant patients 4.