ABSTRACT
This study was to evaluate the utility of single-photon emission computed tomography [SPECT] of Technetium 99m tetrofosmin [Tc-99m TF] myocardial perfusion imaging to detect myocardial involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] Three groups of subjects-group 1: 25 SLE female patients with non-specific cardiac symptoms and signs, group 2: 25 female SLE patients without any cardiac symptoms and signs, and group 3: 25 female healthy controls-were evaluated by comparing rest and dipyridamole-stress Tc-99m TF myocardia] perfusion SPECT. Tc-99m TF myocardial perfusion SPECT revealed perfusion defects in 88% and 40% of the cases in groups 1 and 2, respectively. However, no cases in group 3 demonstrated myocardial perfusion defects. Tc-99m TP myocardial perfusion SPECT is a useful noninvasive imaging modality to detect cardiac involvement in SLE patients with or without cardiac symptoms and signs