A fixed apical defect on a nuclear medicine myocardial perfusion scan is most likely due to an attenuation artifact caused by breast tissue, diaphragm, or body habitus. This artifact decreases the amount of radiation reaching the camera, resulting in a false defect in the apical region of the heart.
What is the icd code for apical defect
A fixed inferior perfusion defect refers to a persistent area of reduced blood flow in the inferior region of the heart, typically observed during imaging studies like a myocardial perfusion scan. This defect suggests that the affected area is permanently damaged, often due to previous myocardial infarction or chronic ischemia, indicating that the heart tissue in that region is not receiving adequate blood supply. Unlike transient defects, which may indicate reversible conditions, fixed defects are associated with more severe underlying cardiac issues.
A small perfusion defect of the left ventricular (LV) apex and distal anterior wall, observed in a myocardial perfusion study, suggests reduced blood flow to these areas, which could indicate ischemia or infarction. The mention of "chest wall attenuation" refers to the phenomenon where the overlying chest wall tissues absorb or scatter the imaging signal, potentially obscuring the true myocardial perfusion status. This attenuation can lead to misinterpretation of the defect, emphasizing the importance of correlating imaging findings with clinical context and possibly utilizing additional imaging modalities for accurate diagnosis.
A perfusion defect means blood is not flowing normally in that section.
a prior myocardial infarction
A partially reversible defect of the inferolateral wall typically refers to a condition observed in cardiac imaging, such as a myocardial perfusion scan or cardiac MRI, where there is reduced blood flow or function in the inferolateral region of the heart muscle. This defect may indicate underlying ischemia or previous myocardial injury, but it is not completely fixed, meaning some functional recovery is possible with appropriate treatment, such as revascularization or lifestyle modifications. The term emphasizes the potential for improvement in heart function in that specific area, depending on the severity and duration of the underlying condition.
A reversible inferolateral defect seen on a myocardial perfusion imaging scan typically indicates reduced blood flow to the inferior and lateral walls of the heart during stress, but this impairment is reversible with rest. It suggests the presence of ischemia in those regions and may indicate potential underlying coronary artery disease. Follow-up testing and evaluation by a healthcare provider is usually recommended to further assess the significance of this finding.
Myocardial bridging is when a blood vessel that supposed to lie on top of the heart muscle instead goes through the muscle. It's a birth defect that causes chest pain in some people.
A fixed apical defect is a type of heart condition where there is a permanent damage or scar tissue in the apex (tip) of the heart. This can result from a previous heart attack or other cardiac events, leading to compromised function in that area of the heart. Treatment and management typically involve medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
A history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), congenital defect, or cardiac transplant also increases the likelihood of pacemaker implant.
Sounds to me like a presentation of a tethered cord, which is often due to spina bifida or chiari defect.