MIBI, short for Methoxyisobutylisonitrile, is a radiopharmaceutical used in nuclear medicine imaging procedures. It is commonly used for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle and diagnose coronary artery disease.
As a dictionary definition, MIBI can be described as a radioactive tracer that is injected into a patient's bloodstream before undergoing a nuclear imaging test. It belongs to a class of radiopharmaceuticals called Technetium-99m compounds, which emit gamma radiation that is detected by a gamma camera during the imaging procedure.
Once injected, MIBI rapidly distributes into the blood vessels and is taken up by the heart muscle in amounts directly proportional to the blood flow to each region. This allows the gamma camera to capture detailed images of the heart, highlighting areas with reduced blood flow, which may indicate blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries.
The images obtained from MIBI myocardial perfusion scans provide crucial information about the overall functionality and viability of the heart, allowing healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses and plan appropriate treatments for conditions such as myocardial infarction, angina, and other cardiovascular diseases.
It is important to note that MIBI is generally safe and well-tolerated by patients, with minimal side effects. However, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with severe kidney or liver disease, may be advised against undergoing MIBI imaging. The administration and interpretation of MIBI scans should always be performed by qualified medical professionals in nuclear medicine.
