Peripheral arterial disease diagnosed with high-count-rate radionuclide arteriography

Thirty-seven patients with peripheral vascular disease involving the legs were studied with first-pass peripheral radionuclide arteriography (RNA) and contrast arteriography to determine whether RNA could be used to evaluate perfusion of the toes. Data were acquired for 100 seconds using a multicrystal gamma camera following bolus injection of 30-35 mCi (1,110-1,295 MBq) of Tc-99m-labeled albumin during reactive hyperemia. Peripheral time-activity curves were examined and the time required for activity to decline to 75% of peak activity ( T75 ) was recorded. When an abnormal RNA was defined as T75 greater than or equal to 50 seconds, sensitivity was 92%, positive predictive accuracy 100%, and negative predictive accuracy 75%. These data suggest that peripheral RNA of the toes is a reliable, noninvasive procedure for evaluation of peripheral arterial disease; it can be valuable as a screening test prior to contrast arteriography as well as for follow-up.