Cardiac sympathetic denervation assessed with 123-iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging predicts ventricular arrhythmias in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010 Jun 15;55(24):2769-77. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2009.12.066.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether 123-iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine (123-I MIBG) imaging predicts ventricular arrhythmias causing appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy (primary end point) and the composite of appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death (secondary end point).

Background: Although cardiac sympathetic denervation is associated with ventricular arrhythmias, limited data are available on the predictive value of sympathetic nerve imaging with 123-I MIBG on the occurrence of arrhythmias.

Methods: Before ICD implantation, patients underwent 123-I MIBG and myocardial perfusion imaging. Early and late 123-I MIBG (planar and single-photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]) imaging was performed to assess cardiac innervation (heart-to-mediastinum ratio, cardiac washout rate, and 123-I MIBG SPECT defect score). Stress-rest myocardial perfusion imaging was performed to assess myocardial infarction and perfusion abnormalities (perfusion defect scores). During follow-up, appropriate ICD therapy and cardiac death were documented.

Results: One-hundred sixteen heart failure patients referred for ICD therapy were enrolled. During a mean follow-up of 23 +/- 15 months, appropriate ICD therapy (primary end point) was documented in 24 (21%) patients and appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death (secondary end point) in 32 (28%) patients. Late 123-I MIBG SPECT defect score was an independent predictor for both end points. Patients with a large late 123-I MIBG SPECT defect (summed score >26) showed significantly more appropriate ICD therapy (52% vs. 5%, p < 0.01) and appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death (57% vs. 10%, p < 0.01) than patients with a small defect (summed score </=26) at 3-year follow-up.

Conclusions: Cardiac sympathetic denervation predicts ventricular arrhythmias causing appropriate ICD therapy as well as the composite of appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine*
  • Aged
  • Cardiac-Gated Single-Photon Emission Computer-Assisted Tomography / methods*
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart / innervation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sympathectomy / methods*
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / diagnostic imaging
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / surgery*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnostic imaging
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / therapy*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine