MUGA Scan Accurate Assessment of Cardiac Ejection Fraction

The heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. To understand how well it is functioning, doctors often measure something called the ejection fraction (EF), which is the percentage of blood the heart pumps out with each beat. One of the most accurate tests to measure this is a MUGA Scan.

At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, advanced nuclear medicine technology is available to provide accurate and dependable heart check-ups.

What Is a MUGA Scan?

MUGA stands for Multiple Gated Acquisition scan. It is a nuclear medicine procedure used to evaluate how well the heart pumps blood, particularly the left ventricle.

A small amount of radioactive tracer is attached to red blood cells. A special gamma camera then tracks the movement of this tracer through the heart with every heartbeat. The images are synchronized (gated) with the ECG signal to measure how much blood is pumped out during each contraction. A MUGA scan is considered one of the most precise methods for determining ejection fraction.

What Is Ejection Fraction?

Ejection Fraction (EF) is a key measurement of heart function. It represents the percentage of blood expelled from the left ventricle with each beat.

• A normal EF is typically between 55% and 70%.
• A lower EF may indicate heart weakness or heart failure.
• A very high EF can also suggest certain cardiac conditions.

Accurate EF measurement is essential for diagnosing and managing heart diseases.

Why Do Doctors Recommend a MUGA Scan?

Monitoring Chemotherapy Effects

Some chemotherapy drugs can affect heart function. A MUGA scan is performed before, during, and after treatment to monitor EF and ensure heart safety.

Heart Failure Evaluation

It helps determine the severity of heart failure and assists in treatment planning.

Cardiomyopathy Assessment

The scan evaluates pumping strength when the heart muscle is weak or enlarged.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Before certain cardiac surgeries, doctors require an accurate EF measurement.

MUGA Scan vs Other Cardiac Tests

Although ECHO is frequently used, MUGA is preferred when a highly accurate EF measurement is required, such as during chemotherapy monitoring.

Benefits of MUGA Scan

• Highly accurate ejection fraction measurement
• Reproducible results for follow-up comparisons
• Useful in chemotherapy monitoring
• Non-invasive and relatively quick
• Helps guide heart failure treatment

Its accuracy makes it especially valuable when patients are receiving heart-sensitive medications.

Is the MUGA Scan Safe?

Yes, a MUGA scan is safe. It uses a low level of radiation. Side effects are rare, but pregnant women should inform their doctor before undergoing the test. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.

How Does It Help in Treatment Decisions?

Accurate EF measurement plays an important role in treatment planning. If EF decreases during chemotherapy, doctors may adjust or pause treatment to protect the heart. EF values also help guide decisions about medications, pacemakers, and lifestyle changes for heart failure patients.

Because MUGA provides consistent and reproducible results, it helps doctors track even small changes in heart function over time.

Conclusion

A MUGA scan is a highly reliable and accurate method for measuring heart ejection fraction. It plays a crucial role in chemotherapy monitoring, heart failure evaluation, and overall cardiac care.

At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, we provide advanced nuclear imaging services to ensure precise heart assessments and support effective treatment decisions.