[Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy - methods and fundamentals (author's transl)]

Myocardial perfusion studies with labelled particles make a detailed analysis of the distribution of myocardial perfusion possible. Methodical and physiological fundamentals are described and the reliability of the method is shown by double radionuclide imaging. LAD-stenoses (greater than 70%) show a decreased activity in the distal areas of the LAD (on the average 36,5 +/- 10,3% in contrast to 59 +/- in normals). Mean local activity is 14,9 +/- 1,8% within scars. Scars and hemodynamically effective stenoses can be imaged with high sensitivity. Total defects (smaller than 15% of the activity maximum) correspond to a scar. A moderate reduction of uptake (15--50% of the activity maximum) does not allow any differentiation between scar and reversible diminution of perfusion.