Pulmonary Perfusion Scan
Alternate Names : Lung Perfusion Study
A pulmonary perfusion scan looks at the blood flow to the lung tissue. It is used most often to diagnose a blood clot in the lung, known as a pulmonary embolus.
Who is a candidate for the test?
The healthcare provider may order a pulmonary perfusion scan in the following circumstances:
the person has chest pain or shortness of breath
results of the person's pulmonary function tests are abnormal
a woman is on oral contraceptives and shows signs of a pulmonary embolus, or a blood clot to the lungs
to rule out deep venous thrombosis in a person with leg pain
an individual has breathing problems after surgery
How is the test performed?
For the scan, a person is often asked to sit upright. If a person is unable to sit, he or she can lie flat on a table. A radioactive substance known as Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin will be injected into a vein in the arm. The substance gives off gamma rays from within the body. These rays are detected by a "gamma camera" that is positioned over the chest. A computer then generates pictures that can be interpreted by a radiologist. The lungs will be scanned in multiple positions (usually six). The exam takes approximately 45 minutes. Usually, a second test called a pulmonary ventilation scan will follow the perfusion scan.
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