REEVALUATION OF DIPYRIDAMOLE THALLIUM SCANNING IN DIAGNOSIS OF MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA

Abstract

Objective- To reevaluate sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of dipyridamole thallium scanning in detecting myocardial ischemia, this study was performed.<br />Method- The study was carried out on 162 patients with typical chest pain and intermediate to high probability for CAD, who underwent coronary angiography and dipridamole thallium scanning. 96 patients had coronary artery disease and 105 patients had positive scans for ischemia. In the coronary artery disease group, 82 patients had positive thallium scan and in normal coronary group, 23 patients had positive scan.<br />Result- The calculated sensitivity of the test for detecting CAD was about 85% and the specificity was about 64%. Positive and negative predictive values were about 75% and 78%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the test for detecting LAD, RCA and LCX disease was 89% and 61%, 80% and 59% and 54% and 60%, respectively.<br />Conclusion- this study reveals that although dipyridamole thallium scan is sensitive for detection of myocardial ischemia, the specificity of the test is not remarkable.