The value of SPECT-thallium scanning in screening for myocardial contusion.
In this prospective study of 40 patients sustaining blunt chest trauma, the value of single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)-thallium scanning in the prediction of morbidity due to cardiac contusion was examined. Twelve patients developed cardiac complications--arrhythmias, ventricular conduction defects, and pericarditis. The sensitivity of SPECT-thallium scans was 55.6%, and the specificity was 32.1%, with an accuracy of 37.8%. Accuracy of the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was 85%, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 82.1%. Patients with a normal ECG on admission rarely developed cardiac complications. It is concluded that SPECT-thallium is not a useful screening tool in this patient population.
McCarthy
M C
MC
Department of Surgery, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45409.
Pavlina
P M
PM
Evans
D K
DK
Broadie
T A
TA
Park
H M
HM
Schauwecker
D S
DS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003288:Contusions / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000378:metabolism; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology
D007527:Isoenzymes; D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D003402:Creatine Kinase