Myocardial scintigraphy as a supplementary diagnostic tool in heart disease.

Myocardial scintigraphy with cesium-131 and thallium-201 was performed in 191 patients. Previous myocardial infarctions localized to the anterior and lateral wall of the left ventricle were correctly diagnosed with both radionuclides. Inferior and posterior infarctions were only detected when thallium was used. In patients with non-informative ECG changes like bundle branch block, non-specific ST-T changes or with atypical symptoms, myocardial imaging made an essential contribution to the establishment of a correct diagnosis. The potential value of myocardial imaging in patients with valvular heart disease and in cardiomyopathy is described.