Gated radionuclide angiography, also known as radionuclide ventriculography, is a medical imaging technique used to assess the function and performance of the heart's ventricles. By utilizing a radioactive tracer material, this non-invasive procedure allows for the evaluation of the heart's pumping capacity and the detection of any abnormalities in the heart's overall function.
During gated radionuclide angiography, a small amount of a radioactive substance, typically technetium-99m, is injected into a patient's bloodstream. This radiopharmaceutical then attaches to the red blood cells and emits gamma radiation. Gamma cameras are used to capture these emitted signals, allowing for the creation of images that reflect the movement and distribution of the radiopharmaceutical within the heart.
The gated aspect of this technique refers to the synchronized capturing of the images with the patient's heartbeat. This is achieved by using an electrocardiogram to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. By capturing images in multiple frames throughout the cardiac cycle, healthcare providers can analyze the ejection fraction, a measure of the heart's ability to pump blood, as well as assess the overall performance of the ventricles.
Gated radionuclide angiography is commonly used as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of various heart conditions, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, valvular heart diseases, and cardiomyopathies. It provides valuable information regarding the heart's chamber size, ventricular wall motion, and ejection fraction, aiding in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
