Improved myocardial infarct localization by combination of scintigraphy and ventricular wall motion evaluation

Localization of acute myocardial infarcts can be done directly by imaging 99mTc pyrophosphate in the infarcted myocardium, or indirectly by analysis of wall motion abnormalities. Combining these modalities improves the sensitivity and specificity of the study. Forth-nine consecutive abnormal studies were analyzed in which both wall motion and static images were obtained with a single injection of pyrophosphate. At least 50% of the acute infarcts were better localized (or additional information obtained) by combining the modalities.