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Biomedical subjects

W J MacIntyre

Publications and source records attributed to W J MacIntyre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Prediction by postexercise fluoro-18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography of improvement in exercise capacity after revascularization.

The extent of ischemic and hibernating myocardium, which may be detected by increased postexercise uptake of fluoro-18 deoxyglucose (FDG) using positron emission tomography, may determine the degree of functional benefit after revascularization. This study examined the influence of the amount of this FDG-avid myocardium on changes in left ventricular function and exercise parameters after revascularization. Echocardiography and exercise testing were performed before and after intervention in 23 patients who had undergone positron emission tomography for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion (using rubidium-82), and postexercise FDG imaging in the fasting state. Follow-up echocardiography (22 +/- 14 weeks after revascularization) was compared with preoperative FDG activity in 7 myocardial regions per patient. Systolic function improved after intervention in 19 of 26 malperfused, dysfunctional FDG-avid regions (73%), and did not improve in 35 of 47 dysfunctional regions without increased FDG uptake (74%). The influence of the amount of FDG-avid tissue on changes in functional state was examined by comparing 9 patients with multiple (greater than or equal to 2) FDG-avid regions with the remainder. Those with multiple FDG-avid regions demonstrated improvement in peak rate-pressure product (20 +/- 4 to 26 +/- 4 x 10(3), p less than 0.02), and percentage of maximal heart rate achieved at peak (84 +/- 10% to 93 +/- 6%, p = 0.04), neither of which changed significantly in the remaining patients. Exercise capacity increased from 5.6 +/- 2.7 to 7.5 +/- 1.7 METS in the group with multiple FDG-avid regions; this increase of 55 +/- 18% exceeded the increase of 13 +/- 10% in the remainder (p = 0.04).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged

Identification of recurrent ischemia after coronary artery bypass surgery: a comparison of positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography.

Current techniques for the detection of recurrent coronary stenoses following bypass grafting have shown disappointing diagnostic accuracy. This study used the same dipyridamole-handgrip stress to compare the accuracy of rubidium-82 positron emission tomography and thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography, in 50 consecutive post-bypass patients undergoing coronary arteriography at a mean interval of 6.5 years after surgery. Significant stenoses in native coronary vessels (greater than 50% diameter) or grafts (greater than 70% diameter) were defined by quantitative angiography. Forty-six patients had recurrent or residual stenoses, 43 (93%) had a perfusion defect identified by positron emission tomography, and 35 (76%) were identified by single photon emission computed tomography (P = 0.04). Fourteen of the 17 patients (82%) without previous Q-wave myocardial infarction were identified by positron emission tomography; 10 of the 17 (59%) were detected by single photon emission computed tomography (P = NS). Stress-induced perfusion defects were demonstrated by positron emission tomography in 19 patients; of this group, thallium imaging identified reversible defects in 11, showed no perfusion defect in 1, and portrayed a persistent defect in 7 patients. Significant graft disease was present in 33 patients; perfusion defects were identified by positron emission tomography in 30 (91%), and by single photon emission computed tomography in 24 (73%, P = NS). Four patients were fully revascularized, without significant recurrent coronary disease; normal perfusion was present in 3 (75%) by positron emission tomography, and 4 (100%) by single photon emission computed tomography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Radiopharmaceucticals for cardiovascular imaging.

Radionuclide cardiac imaging is a noninvasive technique routinely used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD). This imaging modality includes techniques such as planar, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET) and radionuclide ventriculography--each technique having unique features of its own. Each technique employs various radiopharmaceuticals suitable for assessing different physiological and functional parameters that may become abnormal in the presence of CAD. Various cardiac imaging techniques include myocardial perfusion or blood flow, myocardial metabolism and cardiac function and wall motion. While radionuclide ventriculography gives the global functional status of the heart, SPECT and PET techniques provide information as to the regional blood flow and metabolic status of the myocardium. The following is a review of radiopharmaceuticals that are utilized clinically and in research in different types of nuclear cardiac imaging. Radiopharmaceuticals have been grouped according to the technique employed in which they are used. Various characteristics, merits and disadvantages of each radiopharmaceutical are discussed in detail.

Animals

Cyclotrons and positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals for clinical imaging.

Positron emission tomography (PET) requires positron-emitting radionuclides that emit 511-keV photons detectable by PET imagers. Positron-emitting radionuclides are commonly produced in charged particle accelerators, eg, linear accelerators or cyclotrons. The most widely available radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging are carbon-11-, nitrogen-13-, and oxygen-15-labeled compounds, many of which, either in their normal state or incorporated in other compounds, serve as physiological tracers. Other useful PET radiopharmaceuticals include fluorine-18-, bromine-75-, gallium-68 (68Ga)-, rubidium-82 (82Rb)-, and copper-62 (62Cu)-labeled compounds. Many positron emitters have short half-lives and thus require on-site cyclotrons for application, and others (68Ga, 82Rb, and 62Cu) are available from radionuclides generators using relatively long-lived parent radionuclides. This review is divided into two sections: cyclotrons and PET radiopharmaceuticals for clinical imaging. In the cyclotron section, the principle of operation of the cyclotron, types of cyclotrons, medical cyclotrons, and production of radionuclides are discussed. In the section on PET radiopharmaceuticals, the synthesis and clinical use of PET radiopharmaceuticals are described.

Brain

Metabolic responses of hibernating and infarcted myocardium to revascularization. A follow-up study of regional perfusion, function, and metabolism.

BACKGROUND: The presence of persistent myocardial uptake of 18F-deoxyglucose (FDG) within hypoperfused, dysfunctional segments has been shown to predict the recovery of regional contractile function after revascularization. The spectrum of metabolic responses of such hibernating tissue to revascularization is less clear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen patients with previous infarction were studied before and after revascularization by myocardial perfusion imaging using 82Rb positron emission tomography, digitized two-dimensional echocardiography, and imaging of postexercise FDG uptake. Hibernation was identified in 35 of 85 segments showing perfusion and wall motion disturbances before intervention. At follow-up (4.9 +/- 2.6 months after revascularization), hibernating segments were characterized by reduction of wall motion score (p less than 0.001), improvement of perfusion (p less than 0.001), and reduction of FDG activity (p less than 0.001). Of the 35 hibernating segments, however, 10 still had abnormal elevation of FDG uptake (greater than 2 SD above normal) without differing from other hibernating segments with respect to postoperative perfusion or wall motion score. Segments with persistently abnormal metabolism were characterized before intervention by more severe malperfusion (p less than 0.01) and greater FDG activity (p less than 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although wall motion and perfusion improve with revascularization of hibernating tissue, myocardial metabolism remains abnormal in a significant proportion of segments. These segments are characterized by more extensive perfusion and metabolic changes before revascularization.

Deoxyglucose

Myocardial perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

The role of myocardial perfusion imaging has been extended from diagnosis to management and prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Great emphasis has been placed on improving the accuracy of the test to better define perfusion, viability, and the extent of damage of the myocardium. To achieve this goal, investigators have focused on several areas including imaging technique, in which the accuracy of single-photon emission CT has been compared with that of positron emission tomography; radiopharmaceuticals, in which 201Tl has been compared with 99mTc-sestamibi and 99mTc-teboroxime; stress modalities, in which dipyridamole and adenosine stress have been compared with exercise; myocardial viability, as determined by delayed and reinjection 201Tl imaging or by measurement of cellular integrity using 82Rb compared with 18fluorodeoxyglucose metabolic PET imaging; and assessment of myocardial salvage and prognosis by exercise or dipyridamole 201Tl imaging in acute myocardial infarction.

Adenosine

Identification of ischemic and hibernating myocardium: feasibility of post-exercise F-18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

The identification of ischemic and hibernating myocardium facilitates the selection of patients most likely to benefit from revascularization. This study examined the feasibility of metabolic imaging, using post-exercise F-18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for the diagnosis of both ischemia and hibernation in 27 patients with known coronary anatomy. Normal post-exercise FDG uptake was defined in each patient by reference to normal resting perfusion and normal coronary supply. Abnormal elevation of FDG (ischemia or hibernation) was compared in 13 myocardial segments in each patient, with the results of dipyridamole stress perfusion imaging performed by rubidium-82 positron emission tomography (Rb-PET). Myocardial ischemia was diagnosed by either FDG-PET or Rb-PET in 34 segments subtended by significant local coronary stenoses. Increased FDG uptake was present in 32/34 (94%) and a reversible perfusion defect was identified by Rb-PET in 22/34 (65%, p less than .01). In 3 patients, ischemia was identified by metabolic imaging alone. In 16 patients with previous myocardial infarction, perfusion defects were present at rest in 89 regions, 30 of which (34%) demonstrated increased FDG uptake, consistent with the presence of hibernation. Increased post-exercise FDG uptake appears to be a sensitive indicator of ischemia and myocardial hibernation. This test may be useful in selecting post-infarction patients for revascularization.

Coronary Disease

Myocardial perfusion imaging with positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography: frequency and causes of disparate results.

The purpose of this study was to compare rubidium-82 PET with thallium-201 SPECT imaging in 150 patients. Both techniques followed a single dipyridamole-handgrip stress, and images were displayed using the same 3-dimensional format and quantitative colour scale. Coronary arteriography was employed to assign the correct diagnosis in situations of disparity. Results of PET and SPECT were at least partially concordant in 110 patients (73%), although 22 had more than one defect. A reversible perfusion defect was identified in 60 patients, but the scans were concordant in only 20 (33%). These disparities were chiefly due to false-negative SPECT imaging (22 patients, 55%), and probable delayed thallium redistribution (13 patients, 33%). No patients had ischaemia correctly identified by SPECT in the presence of normal PET imaging. Persistent defects were identified in 91 patients, some of whom also had reversible defects, and the results were consistent in 54 (59%). Other than the delayed thallium redistribution group, the major categories causing disparities were false-positive (6 patients, 16%), and false negative SPECT (8 patients, 22%), attributable to attenuation and scatter. PET appears able to identify smaller, less ischaemic areas subtended by milder coronary stenoses. The availability of a true resting scan with Rb-PET enhances the discrimination between ischaemia and infarction. Attenuation correction, and the high energy photons of positron annihilation, yield more accurate evaluation of inferior wall defects and greater specificity in the presence of soft tissue attenuation.

Adult

Use of the 82Sr/82Rb generator in clinical PET studies.

The use of the 82Sr/82Rb generator in clinical positron emission tomography (PET) studies of myocardial perfusion has been described. An infusion pump is used to deliver the short-lived 82Rb from the generator to the patient. Various characteristics of the generator and the infusion system are described. The 82Rb yield was 69.8 +/- 13.3% and the 82Sr breakthrough was always less than the limit of 0.02 microCi/mCi 82Rb. The yield of 82Rb increased with the flow rate and the potency of the generator. Patients with coronary artery disease were studied for myocardial perfusion abnormalities by the 82Rb PET technique and images of excellent diagnostic quality were obtained.

Coronary Circulation

Potential application of new imaging modalities in the measurement of cardiac volumes and characteristics.

Developments of various imaging modalities in recent years have resulted in imaging systems with greater spatial resolution, faster data acquisition, and more powerful computer processing. It is the purpose of this report to examine three of these systems, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrafast computed tomography (cine-CT) with respect to their applicability for determination of cardiac volumes and other characteristics related to hypertension. While each of these modalities has widespread applications and specific advantages, this report will be primarily concerned with two objectives: functional ability to record indicator dilution curves suitable for quantification of flow and the anatomic or geometric ability to measure chamber dimensions with high accuracy. Time concentration curves have been outlined on all modalities and used for quantification of myocardial perfusion and myocardial reserve. Only one modality, cine-CT, determined cardiac output by dilution curves although in vivo arterial recording from PET has demonstrated suitable curves for this application. Both MRI and cine-CT have demonstrated accurate determination of chamber volumes by the geometric method, the latter giving somewhat higher spatial resolution. The advantages of these machines for such purposes have yet to be determined.

Cardiac Output

Radionuclide methods for cardiac output determination.

For repeated determinations of cardiac output, radionuclides have provided a safe, reliable and minimally invasive approach. The techniques used are (1) the first-pass dilution method and (2) the derivation of stroke volume from end-diastolic and end-systolic ventricular volumes. Each of the two techniques offers specific advantages, thus, both may be used clinically according to the type of evaluation that is required. Their development has been helped by the availability of adequate radiopharmaceuticals as well as highly efficient precordial detection devices, computer systems, and data handling 'software'. The associated patient exposure to radioactivity has not precluded clinical application because of the small doses used and the protective measures applied.

Algorithms

Lymphangiomyomatosis--newer concepts in pathogenesis and management--case reports.

Lymphangiomyomatosis was first reported more than forty years ago. Although its incidence is rare, its occurrence is being increasingly recognized and has been the subject of a growing number of cases reports in recent years. This study adds 2 more cases to the file. Both cases involved young women with the characteristic symptoms of dyspnea, cough, abdominal discomfort and swelling, chest pain, and hemoptysis, with abundant formation of refractory chylous, serous ascites. Although the progression of the disease differed in each case, pulmonary function was affected in a similar way by the presence of obstructive and restrictive defects and a decrease in diffusing capacity. Underlying abnormalities were dilated lymphatics, thickened lymphatic walls, and muscular proliferation of leiomyomatous origin, leading to bronchial restriction. The authors point to the subtlety required in arriving at a differentiated diagnosis of lymphangiomyomatosis lymphangioleiomyomatosis and the difference between the two conditions. They also make particular recommendations in respect to the importance of preliminary hormone receptor tests and to the wisdom to be exercised in ligating a main lymphatic duct in the chest to control the formation of ascites. Pneumothorax, a frequent manifestation of lymphangiomyomatosis, is found to be the result of chronic air trapping due to a combination of narrowing of conducting airways and disruption of normal lung parenchyma.

Adult

A prospective comparison of rubidium-82 PET and thallium-201 SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging utilizing a single dipyridamole stress in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

The purpose of the present study is to prospectively compare myocardial perfusion imaging with rubidium-82 (82Rb) by positron emission tomography (PET) with thallium-201 (201Tl) imaging by single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) by recording both studies with a single dipyridamole handgrip stress, and reading both sets of images with the same display technique. In a series of 202 patients with previous coronary arteriography, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 82Rb PET were 93%, 78%, and 90% and for 201Tl SPECT 76%, 80%, and 77%, respectively. When 70 patients with previous therapeutic interventions were excluded, the remaining 132 patients showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 95%, 82% and 92% for 82Rb PET and 79%, 76%, and 78% for 201Tl SPECT. The improved contrast resolution of PET resulted in markedly superior images and a more confident identification of defects.

Coronary Circulation

Verification of Fourier phase and amplitude values from simulated heart motion using a hydrodynamic cardiac model.

Using pusher-plate-type artificial hearts, changes in the degree of synchrony and stroke volume were compared to phase and amplitude calculations from the first Fourier component of individual-pixel time-activity curves generated from gated radionuclide images (RNA) of these hearts. In addition, the ability of Fourier analysis to quantify paradoxical volume shifts was tested using a ventricular aneurysm model by which the Fourier amplitude was correlated to known increments of paradoxical volume. Predetermined phase-angle differences (incremental increases in asynchrony) and the mean phase-angle difference calculated from RNAs showed an agreement of -7 degrees +/- 4.4 degrees (mean +/- SD). A strong correlation was noted between stroke volume and Fourier amplitude (r = 0.98; P less than 0.0001) as well as between the paradoxical volume accepted by the 'aneurysm' and the Fourier amplitude (r = 0.97; P less than 0.0001). The degree of asynchrony and changes in stroke volume were accurately reflected by the Fourier phase and amplitude values, respectively. In the specific case of ventricular aneurysms, the data demonstrate that using this method, the paradoxically moving areas may be localized, and the expansile volume within these regions can be quantified.

Fourier Analysis

Prediction of improvement in left ventricular function after ventricular aneurysmectomy using Fourier phase and amplitude analysis of radionuclide cardiac blood pool scans.

Postoperative improvement in left ventricular (LV) function is a common objective of LV aneurysmectomy, but is difficult to predict. The first Fourier component of time-activity curves of pre- and postoperative gated radionuclide angiographic studies was evaluated for this purpose in 20 patients who had undergone aneurysmectomy. LV aneurysms had portions that characteristically exhibited marked phase delay with varying degrees of amplitude. Total aneurysmal amplitude was obtained preoperatively by summing the amplitude component of all pixels that exhibited phase delay, suggesting paradoxical motion. LV ejection fraction (EF) before and after aneurysmectomy and the absolute postoperative increase in LVEF were calculated. Nine of 20 patients had an absolute increase of EF less than 10% despite resection of large aneurysms. A strong correlation was found between the absolute increase in EF after aneurysmectomy and the total amplitude within paradoxically moving areas (r = 0.93, p less than 0.0001). Thus, preoperative measurement of the total paradoxical amplitude predicts absolute change in EF and may be important in selecting patients for aneurysmectomy. The data also suggest that the total aneurysmal amplitude reflects the stroke volume ejected into an aneurysm in systole and that paradoxical expansion of an aneurysm contributes to LV dysfunction in some of these patients.

Adult