MUGA Scan

   1. Purpose of Test

The multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan is a non-invasive nuclear test that uses a radioactive isotope called technetium to evaluate the functioning of the heart’s ventricles.

The MUGA scan is performed to determine if the heart’s left and right ventricles are functioning properly and to diagnose abnormalities in the heart wall. It can be ordered in the following patients:
With know or suspected coronary artery disease, to diagnose the disease and predict outcomes
With lesions in their heart valves
With congestive heart failure
Who have undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or medical therapy, to assess damage to heart tissue and predict the likelihood of future cardiac events
With low cardiac output and open-heart surgery
Who are undergoing chemotherapy

   2. What to expect during procedure

After ECG leads are attached, the technetium is injected, usually into an arm vein. You lie on an examination table under the gamma scintillation camera, and hold still without speaking during the scanning process. Images are viewed on a video screen and recorded on a computer for later viewing and interpretation.

   3. How to prepare for test

None necessary

   4. When results will be available

A computer is used to process and analyze the data, which is then interpreted by a doctor trained in nuclear cardiology.