Effect of coronary blood flow and site of injection on Tc-99m PPi detection of early canine myocardial infarcts.

The effect of blood flow and site of injection on Tc-99m PPi uptake in acute myocardial infarction was studied in a group of 24 dogs. Temporary (3 hr) and permanent LAO occlusion models were used. Animals with the temporary occlusions showed scintigraphic visualization of the infarcts and reversal of the normal epito-endocardial Tc-99m PPi ratio in contrast to those with permanent coronary occlusions. The data demonstrate that early (within 3 hr) experimental canine myocardial infarcts can be detected with Tc-99m PPi if reflow to the area of infarction is provided. Delayed development of abnormal Tc-99m PPi scintigrams with acute infarction is related primarily to the initial lack of adequate blood flow to the damaged tissue, with subsequent development of adequate collateral flow allowing delivery and uptake of sufficient amount of the radiopharmaceutical for in vivo scintigraphic detection of the damaged area(s).