use of gated cardiac single photon emission computed tomography [SPECT] in healthy smokers

ABSTRACT

As cigarette smoking is a major cardiovascular risk factor, this study was designed to find the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on cardiovascular system of apparently healthy subjects by using gated SPECT. This study included 20 healthy young males heavy smokers with smoking index 379 +/- 193.4. Also 10 age and sex matched non smokers volunteers served as controls. Smokers and non smokers persons were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical examination, X-ray chest, resting ECG and resting echocardiography to exclude any abnormalities. In addition the following laboratory investigations were done; blood urea, serum creatinine, serum glucose, lipogram and C-reactive protein. Also, stress gated cardiac SPECT using Tc99m MIBI was performed for all subjects. Mean values of serum cholesterol and LDL-c were significantly higher in smokers than non smokers [p <0.001, p <0.05 respectively]. Mean values of HDL-c were significantly lower in smokers than controls [p<0.05]. The percentages of positive CRP were significantly higher in smokers versus non smokers [p<0.05]. The mean values of EF% and SV were insignificantly lower in smokers versus controls at post-stress SPECT. Also, 50% of smokers had diminished myocardial perfusion versus 0% of non smokers [p<0.01] at post stress SPECT. There were also abnormal wall motion and thickness at post stress SPECT. Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis in young adult male. Post stress cardiac SPECT may be useful for early detection of cardiovascular events of smoking