Abstract

Objective: To establish the significance of breast attenuation in women with low/intermediate pre test probability referred to Nuclear Medicine for suspected ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Method: Fifty-four women with a low/intermediate pre test probability presenting with perfusion defects attributed to breast attenuation were studied for 46±10.2 months.

Results: In 19 the defect was anterior, in 18 anterolateral and in 14 lateral. Catheterization was performed in 19; significant lesions were found in 3. The 51 patients with no evidence of IHD were compared with a control group. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics, wall motion and thickening. During the follow-up period, no major cardiovascular events occurred.

Conclusions: The observation of perfusion defects in the anterior or lateral left ventricular walls by breast attenuation is relatively frequent. These are not associated with alterations of wall motion and thickening. For a correct interpretation of the results, clinical and electrocardiographic correlation is crucial.

Key words: ischemic heart disease, women, gated-Spect, breast attenuation artifact