Comparison of the prognostic value of SPECT after nitrate administration and metabolic imaging by PET in patients with ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction

Methods Eighty-nine patients with previous myocardial infarction and LV dysfunction (LV ejection fraction 33 +/- 10%) underwent Tc-99m-tetrofosmin SPECT under control conditions (baseline) and after sublingual administration of 10 mg of isosorbide dinitrate (nitrate). Within 1 week, all patients underwent PET imaging with F-18-FDG. Four patients were excluded because of inadequate FDG uptake caused by severe diabetes. Follow-up data were obtained by phone contact with patients and by review of hospital or physicians' records. Cardiac death, myocardial infarction and late revascularisation for unstable angina were considered as events. Follow-up data were not available in three patients. Follow-up was 96% complete at a mean period of 29 +/- 19 months.