Thallium scan report

[Judy]

My husband is 51, active 6 ft. 180lbs, Hx.PVC's more than 30 years. He jogs, and is asymptomatic. A recent stress test revealed st-t wave changes.Tyallium scan results are: "Mild reversable perfusion abnormality of the anterior lateral wall, consistent with minor ischemic coronary disease. No evidence of any fixed perfusion abnormality, or infarction.Elsewhere in the report it states "very mild decreased perfusion noted"   There is also reference to "hypokenesia of the anterior lateral wall region, no additional focal or global wall motion abnormality noted at stress."  The stress test report notes "1.5mm horizontal to upsloping st segment depression which is mildly positive for ischemia. No significant symptoms, normal blood pressure, no ventricular ectopy. Prompt return to baseline.Level 4 achieved on the Bruce Protocol at hr160 bpm." He has been placed on Lipitor, and asprin. Our family MD also mentioned an angiogram. Do you feel that an angiogram is reasonable given the above information.  Thank you

[Missy]

Could you please explain an adenosine thallium stress test?  Please include information on adenosine- it's actions and side effects.  Also, could you discuss doing without medications to control unstable angina for 2 days prior to this test.

[Missy]

Could you please explain an adenosine thallium stress test?  Please include information on adenosine- it's actions and side effects.  Also, could you discuss doing without medications to control unstable angina for 2 days prior to this test.

[Ann on January 7, 2000]

On August 10 I entered the ER with an allergic reation, with the typical symptoms of hives, swelling mouth and throat.  The nurse was in a hurry to treat me and mistakenly administered epinephrine into my IV.  I suffered incredible headache, some abdominal pain, high blood pressure, PVC's and overall pain.  I don't remember everything because I overwhelmed me. I was left exhausted, spent the night in the hospital while they monitored my heart and sent home with the advice to rest and let my heart recover.  Doctors insisted that I had only received a shock to my body and kept telling me to give my self a year to recover.  I had been in athletic condition, walking 5 miles a day (doing a 10 min. mile) and participated in aerobic classes about 4 times a week.  I still have trouble walking up a flight of stairs today.  I have worked hard to gain some strength, walking and even no-bounce aerobics, however, I continue to feel light headed and extemely exhausted.  Some tests were done, a Holter Monitor test showed that I was experiencing PVC's as much as every 2nd beat, and echocardiogram was almost normal, but nothing that I should worry about, I developed a heart murmur that I had never had before, apparently nothing could explain my symptoms.  Other symptoms are that I cannot shower anymore, when I do, I end up back in bed to recover, a hot bath sends my heart pounding, a heavy meal, lying on my left side, shortness of breath, some swelling in my hands and feet, bending over etc.  My doctor will not send me to a cardioligist because he doesn't believe my symptoms are cardiac, he suggested I this triggered Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  After 16 years with this doctor, I changed.  I recently had a thallium scan done and it showed a severe blockage in the left coronary artery, I have been scheduled for an angiogram and my doctor thinks that they will attempt angioplasty first, possibly by-pass surgery.  He thinks that it might be a blood clot from the epinephrine episode, I believe it must be related because the very day I had the epinephrine I had walked 5 miles and done aerobics earlier and had felt absolutely fine.  I can pinpoint the moment my life changed, missed 3 months of work and now am working only part time and that is grueling.  The other theory is that I may have had some plaque in small bits here and there and that the epinephrine jolted them and they have collected in one spot.  I don't know what to think, I am thankful that at least someone listened to me and that I will soon get some treatment and relief from these symptoms.  I wonder if there is anyone who has experienced anything like this?  My doctors here, (this is a small town) have not had anyone else experience this and I think were hoping that I would just get better.  I would appreciate any comments on my experience and do you think that after treatment I will be able to continue life as normal?  I am not overweight, do not smoke, eat a healthy, low-fat diet and get adequate exercise and rest normally.  Thank you for your comments.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

It is really a judgement call in regard to getting an angiogram.  If he is not having any pain it may be reasonable to just follow medically.  If however he is having any symptoms including fatigue an angiogram may be a good idea.