A multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan is an imaging examination used to assess how well your heart pumps blood. It employs a radionuclide injection as well as a customized camera. Your healthcare practitioner takes photos of your heart as the radionuclide goes through your blood.
A MUGA scan detects how your heart muscle contracts and relaxes during rest or exercise. MUGA scans are also known as radionuclide ventriculography (RNVG) and equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA).
What are the uses of MUGA scans?
If you show indicators of heart failure, your doctor may recommend a MUGA scan. Your heart does not pump blood as effectively as it should when you have heart failure. The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms of heart failure:
- Chest pain
- Angina
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen hands or feet
A MUGA scan may be ordered by your doctor before or after cancer treatment. Cancer therapies have caused cardiac damage in certain people, including:
- Bone marrow transplant
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy to the chest
What happens during a MUGA scan?
During this test, you will be asked to lie still on an exam table while a special camera is positioned over your chest.
- Electrodes that assess cardiac activity are attached to your chest.
- The radiotracer is injected into your vein.
- Pictures from a variety of angles will be taken.
- The technician wants you to exercise between images, such as walking on a treadmill. Exercise allows your cardiologist (heart doctor) to monitor your stress levels.
How to prepare for a MUGA scan?
To prepare for a MUGA scan, your clinician will provide you with tailored advice. In general, you should refrain from eating or drinking anything for up to six hours before the test. Your physician may also advise you to abstain from caffeine for a period of time. Coffee might cause your heart rate to increase, which can interfere with test findings. Inform your doctor about all of the drugs you are taking.
What are the risks associated with a MUGA scan?
Most people are not at risk from MUGA scans. The radiotracer isn't dangerous, and it normally passes through your body within 24 hours.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. These tests are normally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women since they may cause harm to the baby.
Understanding MUGA scan results
The results of a MUGA scan can provide information about the overall function of the heart and how well it is able to pump blood.
The results of a MUGA scan are typically reported in terms of the ejection fraction (EF), which is a measure of how much blood the left ventricle is able to pump out with each heartbeat. A normal EF is typically between 50% and 70%.
If the EF is lower than normal, it may indicate that the heart is not functioning properly and may be a sign of a heart condition. Depending on the specific findings of the MUGA scan, further testing or treatment may be recommended.
It is important to discuss the results of a MUGA scan with your healthcare provider, who can provide more specific information based on your individual circumstances and medical history.
