Correlation of resting ECG, stress ECG and thallium scan in the evaluation of coronary artery disease

ABSTRACT

This study includes 70 cases who underwent Myocardial Perfusion Studies with Thallium 201 during the years 1984-1985. They were studied clinically, had their Resting ECGs, Stress ECGs and Coronary Angiograms. Majority of these patients were males [64 out of 70], their ages ranged between 34 - 70 years [average 51 years]. The patient population included those with typical/atypical chest pain, some with resting ECG abnormalities, some after coronary angiography and a few after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The results of all the modalities were compared with the conventional gold standard for Ischaemic Heart Disease, i.e., coronary angiogram. It is concluded that the sensitivity of resting ECG in the diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease is very low. The exercise test alone was found conclusive in about 74% of patients while sensitivity of Thallium Scan was 36% in this particular group of patients