EFFECT OF PATIENT POSITIONING ON LEFT LATERAL TL-201 MYOCARDIAL IMAGES

Abstract

The effect of patient positioning on 201Tl images in the left lateral projection was evaluated in 28 patients (myocardial infarction). The left lateral image was performed with the patient on his right side (LLrs) and also supine (LLsup). False-positive inferoposterior defects were reported in 5 patients (18%) in the LLsup view but not in the LLrs view. Image quality was better in the LLrs view. The false-positive results in the LLsup view may result from 2 factors overlap of the left hemidiaphragm and myocardium; or changes in orientation of the heart in the 2 lateral positions. 201Tl images in the LL position should be performed with the patient lying on the right side.