Phase abnormalities in right heart studies. Demonstration of six different patterns.

: Phase imaging abnormalities of the right side of the heart detected on multiple gated blood pool angiography (MUGA) have received less attention than similar abnormalities of the left ventricle. It has been found that certain different patterns of phase abnormalities of both right ventricle and right atrium are useful in the detection of six pathological conditions: right bundle branch block, ischemic right coronary artery disease, pericardial effusion, tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial septal defect. The authors emphasize the importance of these abnormal phase patterns during interpretation of gated cardiac studies, as they are helpful in directing the physicians attention towards the proper diagnosis.