Myocardial perfusion imaging in myocardial infarction and unstable angina.

The role of radionuclide perfusion imaging during acute coronary syndromes are discussed. The development of Tc-99m sestamibi has provided for significant advances in this field. This radionuclide enables a measurement of myocardium at risk and final infarct size and, consequently, myocardial salvage during reperfusion therapy. Analysis of acute images during infarction also allows for a measure of collateral flow to the infarct zone. This agent also can be used to triage patients with spontaneous chest pain suggestive of unstable angina.