Adenosine or Persantine MRI Stress Testing

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Technology:  Adenosine or Persantine MRI Stress Testing is performed in the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) department.  The MRI scanner is a donut shaped scanner that uses a strong magnetic field and radiowaves to get images of the heart.   There is no exposure to radiation in MRI.

Purpose:  Stress testing is a diagnostic exam used to evaluate the supply of blood to the heart muscle.  The heart receives blood from the coronary arteries.  If these arteries become blocked or narrowed, your heart will not receive the blood that it needs for proper function.  This test may be useful in detecting the presence and significance of coronary artery disease.

Adenosine or Persantine:  Both of these stress agent medications are called vasodilators, which means, they dilate your blood vessels to make your heart work harder.  An injection of either medication simulates what happens to the heart during exercise without you actually having to exercise.

Preparation:
  • You MAY NOT take any medications containing Theophylline (Xanthine) for 48 hours before the test.  This includes inhalers.
  • You MAY NOT take beta blocking medication 24 hours before the test.
  • You MAY take your other medications at your usual time, unless your physician has indicated otherwise.
  • Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours before your test, with the exception of a small amount of water with your medications.
  • No caffeine at least 12 hours before the test.  This includes any decaffeinated or caffeinated products, such as:  coffee, tea, chocolate, or medications containing caffeine.  Having caffeine will result in cancellation of your test.
  • Please notify the staff if you have an allergy to Adenosine, Persantine, or Aminophylline.
  • Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy or are currently breastfeeding.
  • Please inform the staff of any metal you may have in your body, as it is important to keep magnetic material away from the MRI scanner.
  • You MAY NOT have an MRI if you have a pacemaker, ICD, or brain aneurysm clips.

What To Expect:
Upon arrival to Diagnostic Imaging you will be greeted by the receptionist.  The receptionist will inform the diagnostic imaging nurse of your arrival.  The nurse will then escort you to our procedure preparation area, where you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.  The nurse will then ask for your health history information and ask you to fill out a metal checklist.  She will obtain vital signs, which include blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate.  She will place electrodes on your chest to visualize your heart rhythm on a monitor.  She will also start 2 IVs; one in each arm.  This is for the administration of the stress agent and contrast necessary for the procedure.  The radiologist will then explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.  He will then ask you to sign a consent form stating that he has explained the procedure to you and you are comfortable with proceeding.  The nurse will then escort you to the MRI suite, where you will meet the MRI staff.  You will be asked to lie on your back on the scanner table.  You will then be connected to MRI compatible monitoring equipment; this includes a blood pressure cuff and two sets of ECG electrodes; one for scanning purposes and one for monitoring purposes.  The technologist will then give you headphones to protect your hearing from the loud noise produced by the scanner.  The technologist will also give you breathing instructions at this time, as it is necessary that you hold your breath for most of the pictures; each breath-hold is approximately 10-15 seconds.  The MRI technologist will obtain the required pre-stressing images.   After this step, the radiologist will enter the MRI suite, and the stress agent will be administered. Either stress agent may have side effects, which the staff will inform you.  PLEASE INFORM THE STAFF IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE SIDE EFFECTS THEY DESCRIBE TO YOU. These symptoms can be easily reversed.  After stress agent is administered; the contrast will be injected and stress images of your heart will be obtained.  Approximately 10 minutes after the 1st contrast injection, there will be a 2nd injection of contrast and more imaging.  These images are called the resting images.  Approximately 10 minutes after this step, more images will be obtained and the test is then complete.  The IVs and monitoring equipment will be removed and you will be escorted back to the preparation room where you may get dressed.  You will be given discharge instructions and contact information should you have any questions or concerns.  Your practitioner will contact you with results.



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