This research paper reviews six studies of various designs involving abnormal myocardial perfusion scintigraphic findings correlated with a normal or insignificant coronary angiography. Such results have typically been called "false-positive" and these studies either report their incidence or explore their validity. Findings have shown that abnormal myocardial perfusion studies may reflect occult cases of ischemia that are not evident or are underestimated by conventional coronary angiography, such as subcritical stenoses or myocardial microvascular dysfunction. These findings should be enough cause for further investigation by an attending physician or initiation of preventive medical intervention.
Human ; Male ; Female ; MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING ; CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY ; FALSE POSITIVE REACTIONS ; DIAGNOSTIC ERRORS ; MISDIAGNOSIS