Krypton-81m imaging of the right ventricle

J Nucl Med. 1985 Jan;26(1):33-6.

Abstract

We report the development of a method for obtaining right-ventricular radionuclide angiograms using continuous peripheral intravenous infusion of the ultra-short-lived nuclide krypton-81m. This tracer has a half-life of 13 sec, emits a single 190-keV photon, and is extremely insoluble. During infusion into a peripheral vein, Kr-81m achieves stable count rates over the right heart, and it is essentially completely cleared by the lungs during its initial pulmonary transit. Thus no interfering activity is present in the systemic circulation. Initial studies provide excellent data on right-heart anatomy and function.

MeSH terms

  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart / physiology
  • Heart / physiopathology
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Krypton*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Circulation
  • Radioisotopes*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Function

Substances

  • Radioisotopes
  • Krypton