Patient Care – Adult cardiac, endovascular, and thoracic aortic surgery

Patient appointments & physician referrals: please call 210-450-0999.

Nuclear ventriculography (MUGA or RNV): During the MUGA test, a
radioactive isotope is injected into the vein. Radioactive isotopes
attach to red blood cells and pass through the heart in the circulation.
The isotopes can be traced through the heart using special cameras or
scanners. The test is often given at rest, then repeated with exercise,
or after administering certain medications. The test is performed to
detect certain heart conditions.

The test may be performed to detect a heart attack, to evaluate those
at risk of coronary artery disease without invasive testing (coronary
angiography and heart catheterization), and to evaluate heart wall
motion and pumping function of the heart.

How the test is performed:
A radioactive isotope is injected into your vein. Commonly used
isotopes include technetium and thallium. Radioactive isotopes attach to
red blood cells and pass through the heart in the circulation. The
radioactive isotope can be traced through the heart using special
cameras or scanners. The images may be synchronized with an
electrocardiogram. The test is often given at rest then repeated with
exercise or after administering certain medications.

Results: Normal results indicate normal heart valve and chamber
structure and function, or a normal cardiac response to exercise.

Abnormal results may indicate a myocardial infarction, coronary artery
disease, heart valve disease, or other cardiac disorders.