A comparison of radionuclide and contrast left ventriculography and coronary angiography in patients after myocardial infarction.

61 patients after myocardial infarction were investigated by selective coronarography, contrast (LVG) and gated radionuclide ventriculography (RNV, rest and mild exercise). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVGEF and RNVEF, resp.) and regional contractility disturbances were determined (in RNV by Fourier transform and factor analysis). A high correlation of rest LVGEF and RNVEF was found, with lower RNVEF values. A significantly lower rest RNVEF with no change during exercise was observed in comparison to 29 control persons. The ability of RNV to detect regional wall contractility impairment was nearly the same as that of LVG. RNVEF was negatively influenced by LAD obstruction and furthermore in combination with other main coronary artery jeopardy. Gated RNV is a valuable noninvasive method that could replace contrast LVG in the assessment of left ventricular function.