MUGA Scan
A MUGA (Multiple Gated Acquisition) scan is a medical imaging test that provides information about the function and efficiency of the heart's ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). This non-invasive nuclear medicine procedure involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material to create detailed images of the heart's pumping action.
What is a MUGA Scan?
A MUGA scan is a valuable noninvasive tool for evaluating the size and pumping strength of the left ventricle, which pumps blood out to the body. A MUGA scan measures the proportion of blood pumped from the left ventricle with each heartbeat, known as the ejection fraction. A normal ejection fraction is generally between 50 and 75 percent.
For people who are in heart failure, the MUGA scan images will often show an enlarged and weakened left ventricle. This scan can also provide data about heart wall motion. For patients who have had a previous heart attack, the scan images often reveal inferior wall movement in the area of the heart muscle that was damaged and scarred by the heart attack.
The MUGA scan utilizes a special type of radiation detector called a gamma camera that generates a series of moving images of the blood as it passes through the heart during each heartbeat. The gamma camera identifies the injected tracer in the heart muscle and transfers the data to a computer. The computer will process these images into information that cardiologists can use to assess how efficiently the patient’s heart pumps.
Risks & Benefits of a MUGA Scan
MUGA scans are considered safe, and the amount of radiation used is generally small. However, as with any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The results of a MUGA scan can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions.
Benefits of a MUGA Scan
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Assessment of Cardiac Function: MUGA scans provide detailed images that allow healthcare professionals to evaluate the pumping action of the heart's ventricles and calculate the ejection fraction, offering valuable information about cardiac function.
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Monitoring Treatment Effects: The scan is useful in monitoring the impact of treatments, such as chemotherapy, on cardiac function. This is particularly important for cancer patients, as certain treatments may have cardiotoxic effects.
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Identification of Wall Motion Abnormalities: MUGA scans can detect abnormalities in ventricular wall motion, helping diagnose and manage conditions such as cardiomyopathy.
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Non-Invasive Procedure: MUGA scans are non-invasive and do not require inserting any catheters or instruments into the body, making them relatively low-risk and comfortable for patients.
Risks of a MUGA Scan
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Radiation Exposure: While the amount of radiation used in a MUGA scan is generally considered safe, there is still exposure to ionizing radiation.
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Allergic Reaction: In rare cases, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the injected radioactive tracer.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Although the radiation exposure is low, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals may need to avoid or postpone the procedure unless deemed necessary by a healthcare professional.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a MUGA Scan
How to prepare for the test
- For a “resting” scan, avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine for several hours prior to the test.
- For an “exercise” scan, don’t drink or eat anything except water for 4 hours prior to your test. Wear comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothes.
What happens during a MUGA scan?
During the scan, one of our Nuclear Medicine Technologists will place electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes have wires that connect to an electrocardiograph machine to record the patient’s ECG. The ECG tracks the patient’s heartbeat during the test.
An intravenous line (IV) is inserted into a vein in the patient’s hand or arm so that the radioactive drug can be administered for imaging. For a “resting” scan, the patient will lie on a table with a special camera above it. The camera will take many pictures of the patient’s heart while they are resting.
For an “exercise” scan, the patient will walk on a treadmill until they reach their peak activity level. Then, the patient will stop and again lie on a table while the gamma camera takes pictures of their heart.
The test lasts about one hour.
What happens after a MUGA scan?
- The patient can return to normal activities right away.
- The patient should drink plenty of water to remove the radioactive material from their body.
Am I a Candidate for a MUGA Scan?
A cardiologist may order a MUGA scan for the following reasons:
- To assess how much damage was done to the heart muscle after a heart attack.
- For patients with heart failure and/or cardiomyopathy to evaluate the size and pumping strength of the ventricles.
- If the patient is having chemo for cancer in order to monitor the ventricles’ pumping strength. Some cancer drugs can be harmful to the heart muscle.
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