Perfusion predicts six-month survival

Results from a prospective study bolster confidence that a negative adenosine perfusion contrast MR test means patients have a good chance of surviving the next six months without major heart problems.

Dr. David Hardung from St. Marien Hospital in Bonn, Germany, surveyed the medical experience of 432 patients with negative adenosine stress tests or evidence of minor perfusion deficits involving less than 25% transmural enhancement of the myocardial wall. The event-free survival rate after 267 days was 98.8%. One cardiac death was reported from nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. No incidences of myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome occurred, but four cases of significant coronary artery disease were identified among 36 patients who underwent coronary angiography in the follow-up period.