Thallium imaging in preoperative evaluation of the pulmonary resection candidate

The major determinants of morbidity and mortality after pulmonary resection are the physiologic status of the cardiac and pulmonary systems. The role of thallium 201 imaging was reviewed in 151 consecutive patients to determine its significance in physiologic assessment. 10.3% of patients were found to have serious asymptomatic coronary artery disease, and thallium imaging made a difference in the management of 50% of these patients. When used appropriately, thallium imaging is an important modality in physiologic assessment of the pulmonary resection candidate.