Detection of denervated but viable myocardium in cardiac sarcoidosis with I-123 MIBG and Tl-201 SPECT imaging

Ann Nucl Med. 2001 Aug;15(4):373-5. doi: 10.1007/BF02988246.

Abstract

A 58-year-old man, who had biopsy-proven cardiac sarcoidosis, underwent TI-201 and I-123 MIBG cardiac scintigraphy. Although no perfusion defect was identified by Tl-201, mild heterogeneity of I-123 MIBG uptake was present in the myocardium. The denervated but viable myocardium was demonstrated in the heart with sarcoidosis. Cardiac sympathetic nerve function was impaired in cardiac sarcoidosis, slightly improved with steroid therapy. I-123 MIBG scintigraphy may be useful to assess extent of myocardial involvement and response to therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Cardiomyopathies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Denervation
  • Heart Conduction System / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / diagnostic imaging
  • Thallium Radioisotopes
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Thallium Radioisotopes
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine