Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is a well-established non-invasive method for the evaluation of patients with suspected ischemic heart disease or with coronary artery disease (CAD). Its major diagnostic indication is in the assessment of patients with intermediate likelihood of CAD, with the diagnostic value being difficult to be dissociated from the prognostic information obtained with the method. Through several criteria validated in the literature, such as the extent of ischemia, the patient’s risk of presenting cardiovascular events in the future can be assessed. In patients with established CAD, MPS has an important role in the evaluation of symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia, and can also assess the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiac death. Although the value of quantification of ischemia has been the subject of debate in recent years, it is undeniable that in clinical practice it can assist in therapeutic decision-making.^,

MPS may be useful in the evaluation of patients undergoing surgical or percutaneous revascularization procedures, especially if the patient has symptoms. Although MPS can be indicated in asymptomatic patients after 2 years of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or 5 years of surgical procedure, few studies in the literature have analyzed the adequate time to perform the functional study in asymptomatic patients, and the clinical impact of this information. Cardiologic practice often contradicts what is recommended, and it is not uncommon to evaluate asymptomatic patients in a shorter period than that suggested in the literature.

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