Safety of adenosine pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusion imaging in orthotopic cardiac transplant recipients: a single center experience of 102 transplant patients

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2011 Oct;27(7):1105-11. doi: 10.1007/s10554-010-9749-2. Epub 2010 Nov 19.

Abstract

Denervation super-sensitivity to adenosine is well described in cardiac transplant (CT) patients particularly early after transplant. The safety and hemodynamic effects of adenosine SPECT (A-SPECT) has not been described in a large series of CT patients. Single center retrospective study of 102 CT patients undergoing A-SPECT were compared to an age-gender matched patients in a 2:1 fashion who underwent A-SPECT in the same time period. Multivariate logistic regression model were used to identify independent predictors of advanced AV block. The average time from CT to A-SPECT was 8.5 ± 4.5 years. Average age was 57 years with 80% males. In comparison to the control group, adenosine infusion was associated with a higher incidence of sinus pause (4.9% vs. 0%), 2nd (11.8% vs. 4.9%) and 3rd degree AVB (2.9% vs. 0%) in CT patients (all P < 0.05). Prior use of aspirin and baseline 1st degree AVB were significant independent predictors of adenosine induced AVB. Baseline right or left bundle branch block, beta-blockers, calcium blockers or digoxin were not associated with occurrence of AVB. Only 1.9% of A-SPECT studies were terminated due to bradyarrythmia with 1 patient requiring aminophylline. There were no significant immediate or long term adverse events in these patients. Adenosine pharmacologic stress is associated with a higher incidence of AVB and sinus pause in CT patients reflecting persistence of super sensitivity late after CT. Nevertheless these bradyarrythmias are transient without any sequelae suggesting that A-SPECT can be performed safely in CT patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine* / adverse effects
  • Aged
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / chemically induced
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / etiology
  • Coronary Artery Disease / physiopathology
  • Coronary Circulation
  • Female
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Michigan
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / adverse effects
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon* / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adenosine