Effect of aminophylline administration on the diagnostic yield of vasodilator myocardial perfusion imaging

Excerpt

The last few decades have witnessed a steady increase in the proportion of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) tests that utilize pharmacologic stress instead of exercise.1 Currently regadenoson, a pyrazole derivative of adenosine selective for the A_2A receptor, is the most commonly used vasodilator agent accounting for more than 80% of all pharmacological stress tests performed in the USA.2 The widespread utilization of regadenoson is supported by multiple factors including its similar diagnostic and prognostic performance to adenosine when used for MPI, the simpler and more rapid infusion protocol, and the better safety profile in specific patient groups.3 ^- 6 Although better tolerated by patients, regadenoson shares with adenosine similar adverse effects such as flushing, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms.3,7 Aminophylline, a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, has been available on the market for decades and used to reverse the adverse effects of dipyridamole and adenosine and more recently been shown to be safe and effective for use with regadenoson.8,9

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