Qualitative phase analysis in pediatric nuclear cardiology: isolation of cardiac chambers and identification of asynchronous contraction patterns.

Qualitative phase analysis of radionuclide angiocardiograms has been applied in pediatric nuclear cardiology. The technique involves the static and dynamic display of phase images. Qualitative phase analysis is valuable in two major images: (a) delineating borders of adjacent cardiac chambers such as the AV valve planes and the borders of the right ventricular outflow tract, for accurate selection of regions of interest, and (b) identifying and evaluating patterns of asynchronous contraction. Radionuclide angiography with phase analysis is a safe, noninvasive, and easily repeatable assessment of cardiac function well suited to patients with congenital heart disease.