Adenosine in CMR with Perfusion

[Tos92]

I have a CMR with Perfusion scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday (28th). I have done some research online and it states that Adenosine is used for the scan. My question is whether any one has had any serious side effects to this whilst also being diagnosed with unstable angina/coronary artery spasms and is it safe in these instances?

I have previously reacted quite badly to dobutamine and the test was stopped promptly. I also have a moderate reaction to the contrast agent as well that is used to show images of the heart more clearly during a scan.

Any feedback would be great. Thank you!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I have had 3 cardiac perfusion MRIs using adenosine. It's not unknown for people living with vasospastic angina to have a delayed response to the their heart rate being raised by the adenosine

After my last scan finished as I was being brought out of the machine, I started to have really bad chest pain.

I had significant ECG changes, including ST elevations and depressions. I ended up in A&E.

I also had a delayed response to my stress Echo, I did really well during the test however then got chest pain again. My heartrate went up far higher than usual.

Thankfully not as bad as after my perfusion MRI.

I suggest you take your GTN spray just in case.

Good luck with the test.

[Tos92 in reply to Milkfairy]

Do they present you with an option of having Adenosine or going on a treadmill? I would much rather induce the effects of stress on my heart through exercise as opposed to having the drug injected through an IV.

I think I will give the hospital a call where I’m scheduled to have it tomorrow and see if that option is available.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Tos92]

It depends why your Cardiologist wants you to have the MRI. I had mine to check that I haven't developed microvascular dysfunction on top of my coronary vasospasms.

The Cardiac MRI also looks for any scarring or damage to your heart muscle, it's a really important test as you have had a heart attack.

I have scarring from when I had myocarditis many years ago.

The stress echo was testing something different again my ability to exercise and monitoring again if I have possible microvascular dysfunction. My Cardiologist ordered a tread mill test rather than with adenosine as he was worried it could trigger my coronary vasospasms.

I did telephone the department on both occasions and tell them that I could have a reaction.

We were all prepared.

During the scan there is a Cardiologist and several radiology and radiographers present. They monitor you throughout.

You may have no reaction. I am badly affected by my vasospastic angina and so were the other people I know who had issues.

For advice give the department a call.

The worse bit for me was no tea before the test !

I hope all goes well for the test.