Dual Diagnostic Role of 123I-MIBG Scintigraphy in Inverted-Takotsubo Pattern Cardiomyopathy

Clin Nucl Med. 2015 Oct;40(10):816-8. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000000864.

Abstract

We highlight the dual role of I-MIBG scintigraphy in inverted-Takotsubo pattern cardiomyopathy, the diagnosis of which is sometimes challenging: Firstly, I-MIBG scintigraphy can show myocardial sympathetic dysfunction (low I-MIBG uptake) in the hypokinetic basal segments, sparing the left ventricle apex. It is helpful in the imaging diagnosis of inverted-Takotsubo pattern cardiomyopathy and confirms that acute dysfunction of myocardial sympathetic nerve endings occurs with this cardiomyopathy. Secondly, I-MIBG scintigraphy is an accurate imaging examination to detect and localize pheochromocytoma; it can help in the search for an endogenous cause of this adrenergic stress-related cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine*
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine