[Application of new radiopharmaceutical "Sodium 11c-butyrate" and positron emission tomography in patients with coronary artery disease].

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic value of Sodium 11C-Butyrate (11C-Butyrate) in assessing perfusion and oxydative metabolism in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). 41 patients (39 male and 9 female, mean age 48 +/- 11) with CAD were investigated. PET-scans were performed twice: at 2-7 min and 25-31 min after i.v. injection of 250-400 MBq 11C-Butyrate. Regional perfusion was evaluated by the uptake of radioactivity in the myocardium at the first scan, intensity of beta-oxidation--by decreasing the uptake level at the second scan.

Results: Myocardium of the left ventricle was good visualized at the first scan. It was demonstrated fast elimination of radioactivity in segments with normal oxidative metabolism of 11C-Butyrate at the second scan. Fixed defects were seen in the scar segments both at first and second scans. Decreased uptake of 11C-Butyrate at the first scan and diminished rate of agent elimination caused by depressed beta-oxidation at the second scan were revealed in ischemic segments.

Conclusion: Application of PET with 11C-Butyrate in patients with CAD allows estimate hypoperfused segments, evaluate heart oxidative metabolism and provides differential diagnosis of scar and ischemia.