What imaging technique is performed with Tc sestamibi?

• A. Bone scanning
• B. Myocardial perfusion imaging
• C. Gallbladder scanning
• D. Brain imaging

Answer: (B)

Tc sestamibi is primarily utilized in myocardial perfusion imaging, which focuses on assessing blood flow to the heart muscle. This technique involves administering Tc sestamibi, a radiotracer that preferentially accumulates in healthy myocardial tissues. When a patient undergoes this imaging test, regions of the heart that receive adequate blood supply will show up on the scan due to the retention of the radiotracer, whereas areas with compromised blood flow, such as those affected by ischemia or infarction, will appear less intense or may not show up at all.

The capability of Tc sestamibi to provide insight into myocardial perfusion is particularly valuable for diagnosing coronary artery disease, assessing viability of heart tissue after a heart attack, and evaluating patient responses to therapies. Its use is well-established in clinical practice for these indications, making it a crucial tool in cardiology imaging.

Other imaging modalities mentioned, like bone scanning or gallbladder scanning, utilize different radiopharmaceuticals and are aimed at distinct physiological and anatomical evaluations, thereby differentiating them from the specific cardiac applications of Tc sestamibi.