Equilibrium Radionuclide Angiography (ERNA) is a diagnostic imaging technique used in nuclear medicine to assess the function and blood flow within the heart. It involves injecting a small amount of a radioisotope, such as technetium-99m labeled red blood cells, into the patient's bloodstream.
During the procedure, the patient lies under a gamma camera, which detects the radioactive emissions from the injected tracer. The camera captures images of the heart at different time points, allowing the assessment of blood flow patterns and the evaluation of cardiac function.
The term "equilibrium" in ERNA refers to the fact that the radioactive tracer reaches a stable distribution within the bloodstream. This stability allows for the accurate measurement of regional blood flow, as the tracer's concentration in different parts of the heart reflects the blood supply to those areas.
Radionuclide angiography, on the other hand, refers to the use of radioactive isotopes to visualize the circulation of blood in the heart and blood vessels. In ERNA, the angiographic component enables the evaluation of overall cardiac function, including the ejection fraction (the proportion of blood pumped out by the heart with each beat) and the contractile ability of the heart muscle.
ERNA is commonly used to diagnose and monitor various heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and heart failure. It provides valuable information to guide treatment decisions, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and monitor disease progression.
