Review Note

Cardiac Imaging: Nuclear Cardiology

{{c1::Stunned}} myocardium demonstrates {{c2::normal}} uptake on perfusion scan, which indicates viable cells, but the affected myocardium is {{c3::akinetic or hypokinetic}}.

When myocardium has delayed recovery of contractile function despite reperfusion after a transient ischemic insult, it is termed stunned myocardium. Normal uptake on perfusion scan indicates viable cells, but the affected myocardium is akinetic or hypokinetic. Unlike hibernating myocardium which results from chronic ischemia, myocardial stunning is an acute, temporary process. Contractility will improve over time.