Overview
A SPECT (single photon emission Computerized Tomography) is a type of scan that uses an intravenous nuclear tracer to image the heart. SPECT scans have several uses in cardiology and can be used to evaluate for cardiac amyloidosis (also called ATTR amyloidosis). This is a condition in which there is abnormal proteins that build up in the heart and can lead to heart failure.
Everything You Need To Know
- Why It’s Done
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This test helps diagnose cardiac amyloidosis in heart failure patients for whom there is a high suspicion that this disease is present.
- Where Is This Test Performed?
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We offer this test at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and AdventHealth Lenexa City Center. Please arrive 30 minutes before your test is scheduled to allow for check in.
- Preparations
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No specific preparations are needed for this test. You will not need to hold any of your medications, and you do not need to be fasting for this test. You will be able to drive yourself home after the test is done and there are no restrictions afterwards.
Additional instructions
- Don’t wear undergarments with wires
- Wear comfortable clothing, preferably with a short-sleeved t-shirt
- During And After The Procedure
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You will have an IV line inserted by a nuclear medicine technologist. This will be used to inject a low-level radioactive tracer called Technetium 99 PYP/HDP. If there is amyloid tissue, then this tracer will be absorbed by the heart muscle. Imaging will begin 1 hour and 3 hours after the injection to give proper time for the radioactive tracer to circulate. Obtaining the images generally take 30min.
Your Results
The cardiac amyloid scan will be reviewed and read by one of our board-certified cardiologists. You should receive a call with the results within a week of having the test done or you may view the results in your AdventHealth Patient Portal.