title: Safety of single-site adenosine thallium-201 scintigraphy.
abstract: The diagnostic accuracy, safety and tolerance of adenosine thallium scintigraphy have been reported using a 2-site intravenous infusion with either a titrated or fixed-dose protocol. A single-site infusion would considerably simplify the test procedure, but its safety must be established before it can be recommended. Accordingly, 400 consecutive patients who had adenosine and thallium-201 administered through the same intravenous line were classified into 2 groups. Group I (n = 201) patients received a 7-minute titrated intravenous infusion of adenosine, with an initial dose of 50 micrograms/kg/min that increased at 1-minute intervals to a maximum of 140 micrograms/kg/min. Group II (n = 199) patients received a fixed dose of adenosine at 140 micrograms/kg/min for 6 minutes. Adenosine significantly (p < 0.001) increased heart rate and decreased systolic blood pressure by similar amounts in both groups. Adverse effects occurred more often (88 vs 71%, p < 0.001) and started earlier (2.8 vs 3.6 minutes, p < 0.001) in group II. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of second- and third-degree atrioventricular block between the 2 groups (4.0 vs 5.0%); however, chest pain, flushing and nausea were all more frequent in group II. Severe side effects were seldom seen in either group and occurred in 9 group I and 8 group II patients. Scintigraphic findings were similar in both groups. Transient perfusion defects were seen more often in patients with than without second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (42 vs 21%, p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Korkmaz
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Mahmarian
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Guidry
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Verani
mesh_terms: D000241:Adenosine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes; D000241:Adenosine