A MUGA scan is a non-invasive medical imaging test used to evaluate heart function by injecting a small amount of radioactive isotope into the bloodstream and capturing images of the heart’s function. It can detect small changes in heart function early and is important in disciplines like oncology where chemotherapy can affect heart function.
A Multiple Gated Acquisition (MUGA) scan is a type of medical diagnostic imaging used to evaluate heart function. The MUGA scan is also called a nuclear ventriculogram. There are a number of reasons for ordering such a scan, ranging from routine heart function checks during chemotherapy treatments to a thorough examination of a patient who has recently had a serious cardiac event. When done correctly, a MUGA scan should be painless for the patient and generally not harmful, except for pregnant women or other people who may be particularly sensitive to radioactive substances.
When a MUGA scan is performed, a small amount of a radioactive isotope is attached to red blood cells and then injected into the bloodstream. The isotope emits weak gamma rays which can be detected with a special camera positioned above the patient. As blood fills the ventricles or chambers of the heart, the camera captures a clear picture of the heart’s function, creating an animated picture of the beating heart that is used in diagnostics.
There are some variations on the basic MUGA scan. A patient may be asked to practice during the scan, for example, to get an idea of how the heart behaves under stress. Some scans may also involve the use of a vasodilator such as nitroglycerin to see how this changes heart function. After about 48 hours, most patients will have successfully cleared the radioactive isotope used in the scan from their bodies.
When a MUGA scan is being interpreted, doctors can look at things like the ejection fraction or the amount of blood pumped out of a ventricle each time the heart beats. Left ventricular performance is often closely scrutinized on a MUGA scan, because left ventricular health is very important to overall physical health. Other heart function parameters are also included in an interpretation of a MUGA scan.
This non-invasive test is highly accurate. MUGA scans can often detect small changes in heart function early, allowing doctors to address them before they become serious problems. MUGA scans can also allow doctors to clearly see specific areas of damage in the heart and are used to assure doctors that their treatment plans are working. This is particularly important in medical disciplines such as oncology, as heart function can be affected by cancer treatment and it is important to ensure that the patient remains as healthy as possible or chemotherapy drugs may need to be adjusted.
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