The nuclear stethoscope

Abstract

Eighty consecutive patients undergoing radionuclide gamma camera studies for the measurement of ejection fraction were also examined with the nuclear stethoscope. Overall, the correlation coefficient relating these two techniques was acceptable (r = 0.85). However, two groups were identified: patients with symmetrical wall motion had an excellent correlation (r = 0.90) while patients with regional wall motion abnormalities had a poor correlation (r = 0.78). In conclusion, the nuclear stethoscope is a clinically useful device for monitoring left ventricular function in patients with symmetrical wall motion.