Clinical evaluation of Technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion SPECT in diabetes with suspected coronary artery diseases

ObjectiveTo study the clinical value of Technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in diabetes with suspected coronary artery diseases.MethodsSeventy-eight diabetic patients complicated with cardiac symptoms or electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and suspected coronary heart disease hospitalized in the department of endocrinology from January, 2008 to December, 2008 were investigated. Technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion SPECT was performed in all patients. Exercise stress test was done in 35 cases (group A). Adenosine stress test was done in 43 cases (group B).ResultsThe positive rates in the two groups were 54.29% (19/35) and 53.48% (23/43), respectively. There was no statistic difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The abnormality rates in male and female groups were 63.04% and 28.13%, respectively (P<0.01). Eighty-six segments of perfusion abnormality were detected in 38 positive patients. Four segments of fixed defect were found in 4 cases.ConclusionAs non-invasive method, myocardial perfusion SPECT can play an important role in the treatment of diabetes with suspected coronary artery disease.