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2821500 
Journal Article 
The effect of beta blocker withdrawal on adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging 
Hoffmeister, C; Preuss, R; Weise, R; Burchert, W; Lindner, O 
2014 
1 
Journal of Nuclear Cardiology
ISSN: 1071-3581
EISSN: 1532-6551 
21 
6 
1223-1229 
English 
25124825 
WOS:000344750700021 
BACKGROUND: The effect of beta blockers on myocardial blood flow (MBF) under vasodilators has been studied in several SPECT and PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) studies with divergent results. The present study evaluated the effect of a beta blocker withdrawal on quantitative adenosine MBF and on MPI results.

METHODS: Twenty patients with beta blockers and CAD history were studied with quantitative adenosine N-13 ammonia PET. The first study was performed under complete medication and the second after beta blocker withdrawal. The PET studies were independently read with respect to MPI result and clinical decision making.

RESULTS: Global MBF showed an increase from 180.2 ± 59.9 to 193.6 ± 60.8 mL·minute(-1)/100 g (P = .02) after beta blocker withdrawal. The segmental perfusion values were closely correlated (R(2) = 0.82) over the entire range of perfusion values. An essentially different interpretation after beta blocker discontinuation was found in two cases (10%).

CONCLUSION: A beta blocker withdrawal induces an increase in adenosine MBF. In the majority of cases, MPI interpretation and decision making are independent of beta blocker intake. If a temporary beta blocker withdrawal before MPI is not possible or was not realized by the patient, it is appropriate to perform adenosine stress testing without loss of the essential MPI result. 
Myocardial perfusion imaging; beta blocker; adenosine; PET