Q. What is Technetium 99M Sestamibi Scan?

This study is another form of studying perfusion of the heart. This radioactive study is similar to that of thallium 201. With a combined approach using both thallium and sestamibi 99m, one can decrease the acquisition time by 50 per cent. The information derived from these newer techniques allows for both evaluations of ischaemia and data similar to a first pass MUGA study. This particular technique is more expensive than thallium imaging, but is of shorter time and is useful when information regarding wall motion abnormality and ejection fraction is important as well as the degree and area of ischaemia. This obviates the need for ordering a MUGA scan.