The Value of (99m) Tc-MIBI-Heart SPECT in Myocardial Contusion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the value of (99m)Tc - M I B I SPECT(Single Photon Emission Com-puted Tomography) in the diagnosis of myocardial contusion after blunt chest trauma . METHODS: We evaluated 24 patients with cardiac contusions after blunt chest trauma who were diagnosed by clinical symptoms, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram(ECG), and Creatine phospho-kinase(CPK). (99m)Tc-MIBI SPECT was performed within 48 hours along with the above tests prospectively. RESULTS: 1. Among the 24 patients, 14 patients were finally diagnosed as having a myocardial contusion by means of ECG, echocardiography, (99m)Tc-MIBI SPECT, and cardiac enzyme. 2. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of (99m)Tc - MIBI SPECT were 46.7%, 66.7%, and 54.2%, respectively. The same results for initial ECG were 46.6%, 88.9%, and 62.5%. 3. For those who had positive findings in (99m)Tc - MIBI SPECT, average hospital stay was 14.5 days and abnormal electrocardiogram was found in 90.0%. However, for those who had negative findings, average hospital stay was 11.2 days and abnormal electrocardiogram was found in 35.7%. CONCLUSION: (99m)Tc-MIBI SPECT is not a definite modality in diagnosing myocardial contusion, but can be useful in diagnosing and determining the need for hospitalization after cardiac contusion.