The accuracy and side effects of pharmacologic stress thallium myocardial scintigraphy with adenosine triphosphate disodium (ATP) infusion in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

The diagnostic accuracy and side effects of pharmacologic stress thallium myocardial scintigraphy with ATP infusion were studied in 172 patients with or without coronary artery disease. ATP was infused for five minutes at a rate of 0.16 mg/kg/min (group A) or 0.18 mg/kg/min (group B) via antecubital vein. One hundred and eleven (67 of group A, 44 of group B) of 172 patients underwent coronary arteriography (CAG). In 111 patients received CAG, overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this method were 88%, 84% and 87%, respectively. In 67 patients of group A, these were 92%, 81% and 90%. In 44 patients of group B, 79%, 87% and 82% were documented (NS, between groups A and B). Chest pain, flushing, bradycardia and ST depression were included in side effects caused by ATP infusion. At least one of these side effects were observed in 84% of the all 172 patients, 89% of group A and 75% of group B (NS). But, all of the side effects were spontaneously alleviated within two minutes without any therapy. In conclusion, pharmacologic stress myocardial scintigraphy with ATP infusion is very accurate and safe, and infusion rate of 0.16 mg/kg/min is optimal for this purpose. (author)