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FlowerRest-Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy
Programs that perform this test
 Exercise Physiology    Nuclear Medicine/PET Division  
What is a Rest-Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scan?
A rest-stress myocardial perfusion imaging procedure is used to evaluate blood flow to cardiac muscle during rest and stress conditions.
Why would my doctor resquest a Rest-Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scan?
A rest-Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scan can help assess:

  • Cardiac transplants
  • Kawasaki's disease
  • Chest trauma
  • Tetralogy of Fallot repair
  • Anomalous left coronary artery
  • Outcome of an arterial switch operation
  • Cardiomyopathies
  • Mustard or Senning operation
  • How to prepare for a Rest-Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scan?
    You/your child should not have anything to eat or drink 2 hours prior to exam. Some medications may interfere with the accuracy of the test results, therefore you must check with your referring physician. You/your child should wear comfortable clothing for the exercise portion of the exam. This includes sneakers or running shoes because you/your child will be running on a treadmill/bike. Your child may bring a security/blanket toy with them for the imaging part of the procedure. We have various videos or DVDs to choose from for your child to watch during the procedure or you can bring one from home.
    How is a Cardiac Rest-Stress Test performed?
    You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you and your child what will happen during the examination. A technologist will place an IV catheter that will remain in place throughout the entire procedure. The examination is done in two parts:
    • a rest study
    • and a stress study.
    Image During the rest study, a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m MIBI will be injected through the IV. Thirty minutes later, imaging of the heart will begin. Imaging will take approximately 30 minutes. It is extremely important for you/your child to hold still to obtain the best quality images. When imaging is complete, the technologist will walk you over to the stress laboratory in the Cardiology Department. This is where the stress study is performed.

    During the stress study, a cardiology staff member will place small pads called electrodes on your/your child's chest. This will allow the exercise physiologist to perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor your child's heart rhythm during exercise. At peak exercise, a nuclear medicine technologist will again inject the radiopharmaceutical through the IV.

    It is important that you/your child continue to exercise for an additional minute after the injection. Shortly afterwards you will be asked to return to the nuclear medicine department for your stress test imaging. The imaging takes 30 minutes. Again, it is extremely important for you/your child to hold still to obtain the best quality images. The total time of the study is approximately 3-5 hours.

    What can be expected during the procedure?
    You/your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. The needle used for the procedure is small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected and imaging is complete, the needle will be withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape will be placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore.

    In addition, you/your child may feel the physical discomfort of the exercise. Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch you/your child.

    What happens after the study?
    Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.
    How are the results of the study obtained?
    The images will be processed and then the nuclear medicine physician will evaluate and interpret the study and promptly inform you/your child's referring physician of the results.
    How can additional information be obtained?
    For more information about Nuclear Medicine/PET, please contact us at:

    Division of Nuclear Medicine/PET
    Children's Hospital Boston
    300 Longwood Avenue, Pavilion 2
    Boston, MA 02115
    Main Number: 617-355-7010
    Fax Number: 617-730-0623
    Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    How is an appointment scheduled?
    To schedule an appointment please contact your referring physician as their office must schedule it for you. If you currently have an appointment and need to reschedule or are unable to make the appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance at 617-355-7010.
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