Exercise Radionuclide Ventriculography: Practical Considerations and Sensitivity of Coronary Artery Disease Detection

Eighty-nine patients were evaluated for coronary artery disease (CAD) with exercise radionuclide ventriculography (ERV) and contrast coronary angiography. In 70 patients with documented lesions the ERV was abnormal in 65 for a sensitivity of 93%. In patients with normal coronary arteries, the ERV was abnormal in none for a specificity of 100%. Sensitivity of ERV for detecting CAD was affected by the level of exercise achieved. In patients with documented CAD who achieved adequate exercise (i.e., pressure rate product (PRP) greater than 250 or the development of angina or ST segment depression during exercise), the sensitivity was 98% (56 of 57 patients). In those with documented CAD who failed to achieve adequate exercise, the sensitivity was 69% (9 of 13 patients).