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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Published on: October 14, 2016
Effectiveness of (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin for assessment of heart functions in micropigs
Min Young Lee1, Sang Hun Lee, Jae Hong Park
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Biotherapy Human Resources Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea.
Abstract:
This study examined the suitability of a nuclear imaging technique using (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin as an agent to assess the heart functions of healthy micropigs. The mean age of the pigs was 360 days (male), and the mean body weight was 35.3 kg ranging from 34.5-36 kg. There were no significant perfusion defects in any of the reconstructed images. Gated single-photon emission computed tomography imaging can be used to calculate the ventricular volume and ejection fraction (EF). In this case, an EF of 79% was calculated from the ventricular volume of the end-systolic image (10 ml) subtracted from that of the end-diastolic volume (49 ml). A perfusion defect (particularly the apex, lateral wall) is unlikely because of the presence of a preserved wall motion in a segment with a defect. It is concluded that quantitative cardiac scintigraphy, using (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin is an adequate technique for estimating the heart functions of healthy micropigs.
Insights
Nuclear imaging with 99mTc-tetrofosmin effectively assesses micropig heart function. Gated SPECT imaging accurately calculates ejection fraction, confirming its suitability for cardiac evaluation in this animal model.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Veterinary Imaging
Background:
- Assessing cardiac function in animal models is crucial for translational research.
- Micropigs are increasingly used as preclinical models due to physiological similarities to humans.
- Nuclear imaging offers non-invasive methods for evaluating myocardial perfusion and ventricular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of 99mTc-tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion imaging for assessing cardiac function in healthy micropigs.
- To determine the accuracy of gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in calculating ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (EF) in this model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 99mTc-tetrofosmin for nuclear imaging in healthy adult male micropigs (mean age 360 days, mean weight 35.3 kg).
- Performed gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to acquire cardiac images.
- Analyzed reconstructed images for myocardial perfusion defects and calculated end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and ejection fraction (EF).
Main Results:
- No significant myocardial perfusion defects were observed in any reconstructed images.
- Gated SPECT allowed for calculation of ventricular volumes and ejection fraction.
- Calculated EF was 79%, derived from EDV of 49 ml and ESV of 10 ml.
- Preserved wall motion in segments suggested an absence of perfusion defects, particularly in the apex and lateral wall.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative cardiac scintigraphy using 99mTc-tetrofosmin is an adequate and suitable technique for estimating heart function in healthy micropigs.
- Gated SPECT provides reliable measurements of ventricular volumes and EF in this preclinical model.
- This imaging modality supports the use of micropigs for cardiac research.
