Nuclear ventriculography

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Heart, front view

Nuclear ventriculography

Definition:

Nuclear ventriculography is a test that uses radioactive materials called tracers to make heart chambers and blood vessels visible. The procedure is non-invasive. The heart structures are not touched by instruments.

Alternative Names:

Cardiac blood pooling imaging; Heart scan - nuclear; Radionuclide ventriculography (RNV); Multiple gate acquisition scan (MUGA)

How the test is performed:

A radioactive isotope called technetium is injected into your vein. Radioactive isotopes attach to red blood cells and pass through the heart in the circulating blood. The radioactive isotope can be traced through the heart using special cameras or scanners. The images may be combined with an electrocardiogram.

You will be tested when you are resting, then tested again with exercise or after you take certain medications.

How to prepare for the test:

You may be told not to eat or drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for several hours before the test.

How the test will feel:

You may feel a brief sting or pinch when the IV is inserted. You may have trouble staying still during the test.

Why the test is performed:

The test will show how well the blood is pumping through the heart, and will check for clogged arteries.

Review Date: 5/1/2005
Reviewed By: Fabian Arnaldo, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.