"area of decreased image density . . . soft tissue attenuation"

[gripshift]

The following was part of the "Findings" of my recent Radionuclide
Rest/Exercise-Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test:

"A moderately large, mild to moderate in intensity, paradoxical area
of decreased image density is noted in the inferior and inferoseptal
segments of the left ventricle. Quantitative analysis of tomographic
data is within normal limits. This is consistent with soft tissue
attenuation."

What does this mean; what is the significance of it?

[gripshift]

yea, i had chest pain (false alarm); MI 1.5 yrs ago.
so the above description doesn't indicate heart damage (everything else on the report was negative)?

[Toneman]

This means that they were unable to get a clear picture of the tracer in your heart due to excessive soft tissue in either the breast or diaphram.  The normal tomographic data simply means that all the areas of your heart are contracting as they should which leads your cardiologist to believe your areas showing decreased image density are due to soft tissue blocking the image rather than these areas of the heart beeing damaged as a result of CAD. Why did you have the test, were you experienceing chest pain?

Tony