Myocardial Sympathetic Innervation Imaging In Patients With Heart Failure

In patients with heart failure, activation of the sympathetic nervous system is an early response to compensate for decreased myocardial function. The concentration of iodine 123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) over several hours after the injection of the agent is a potential marker of sympathetic neuronal activity. Iodine 123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine activity is proposed as a prognostic marker in patients with heart failure to aid in the identification of patients at risk of 1- and 2-year mortality. The marker could also be used to guide treatment decisions or to monitor the effectiveness of heart failure treatments.