Evaluation of cardiovascular function in small animals using a microcomputer-based scintigraphic imaging system

The authors have devised a scintigraphic imaging system for evaluating cardiovascular structure and function in small animals. The system consists of an experimental, high-resolution scintillation camera coupled to a microcomputer modified with a commercial hardware/software package for nuclear medicine image acquisition, analysis, and display. The use of this system to assess regional and global cardiac function, regional myocardial perfusion and regional pulmonary perfusion in the guinea pig is described.<
>