Simultaneous assessment of myocardial perfusion and left ventricular regional wall motion with Tc-99m-PPN 1011

Myocardial perfusion and regional wall motion were assessed using first-pass radionuclide ventriculography with a new myocardial imaging agent, 99mTc-1,2-bis[bis(2-ethoxyethyl)phosphino]ethan (99mTc-PPN 1011). The subjects were 15 patients with myocardial infarction (12) and dilated cardiomyopathy (3). First-pass radionuclide ventriculographic data were acquired in the right anterior oblique 30deg projection. One hr after that, SPECT images were obtained. The left ventricle was divided into 5 segments, and global left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and regional LVEF were calculated from time activity curves. Global LVEF correlated well with LVEF obtained on left ventriculography. Regional LVEF well reflected left ventricular regional wall motion on left ventriculography. Unlike thallium-201, 99mTc-PPN 1011 is taken up by diffusion, and thus it remains to be seen whether it would be capable of assessing myocardial retention and viability. Therefore, myocardial perfusion should be assessed in combination with regional wall motion. (N.K.)