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Updated: Oct 9, 2026

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
08:13

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography

Published on: February 16, 2016

Clinical indications for thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scanning

R F Dunn, D T Kelly

    Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
    |June 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scans offer noninvasive assessment of heart blood flow. Their use is recommended for specific diagnostic challenges in coronary artery disease, balancing cost and time against clinical utility.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Nuclear Medicine
    • Diagnostic Imaging

    Background:

    • Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scanning provides noninvasive assessment of regional heart muscle blood flow.
    • The procedure is time-consuming and expensive, necessitating careful selection for optimal diagnostic yield.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review and define the specific clinical indications for Thallium-201 scanning in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD).
    • To guide the appropriate utilization of this imaging modality in patients with known or suspected CAD.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of clinical indications for Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scanning in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.
    • Analysis of scenarios where exercise electrocardiography (ECG) is uninterpretable or discordant with clinical presentation.

    Main Results:

    • In suspected CAD, Thallium-201 scans are most valuable when exercise ECG is uninterpretable, in men with atypical angina/ECG findings, and in women with probable angina regardless of ECG results.
    • In known CAD, the scan helps assess the functional significance of coronary obstructions and localize myocardial ischemia.

    Conclusions:

    • Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scanning is a valuable tool but should be reserved for specific, well-defined clinical situations in CAD diagnosis.
    • Strategic application of Thallium-201 scans can enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide management in complex cases.

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