Clinical Insights

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) – Clinical Context for Referring Physicians

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) is a functional cardiac test that assesses myocardial blood flow at rest and during stres

s to determine whether coronary artery disease is causing clinically significant ischemia. While CT coronary angiography (CTA) and calcium scoring identify the presence and extent of atherosclerosis (anatomy), MPI evaluates whether a lesion is actually limiting perfusion and contributing to patient symptoms.

Why MPI is important:

• Differentiates anatomical disease vs. functional significance

• Helps guide appropriate referral for invasive angiography or revascularization

• Provides reassurance when symptoms are not ischemic in origin

• Useful when prior imaging is inconclusive or discordant with symptoms

Case Insights

A 58-year-old male with exertional chest discomfort undergoes CTA, which shows moderate (50–60%) stenosis in the LAD. While this finding confirms coronary artery disease, it does not determine whether the lesion is functionally significant. An MPI study demonstrates a reversible perfusion defect in the anterior wall, confirming inducible ischemia. This provides objective evidence to support revascularization rather than medical therapy alone.

Clinical Takeaway:

CTA shows what the coronary arteries look like; MPI shows whether those findings are causing ischemia and require intervention.

** At MSC, we can preform nuclear testing within a week! 

Clinic Updates

We’re pleased to share that our referral form is now available within Accuro EMR!

Referral Tip of the Month

To find, download and use our referral form in Accuro

1. Find and Download a Form

   • Click the Accuro Menu (Bottom Left) and select “Tools” > “Form Editor”.

   • Within the Form Editor, click “Tools” (top left) and select “Publish/Download”.

   • Ensure category is in Standard Forms and Type “2026 MS Cardiology Requisition” in the search box.

   • Select the form from the list and click Download in the bottom right corner.

2. Use the Form

   The form is now available in the patient chart.

   • Navigate to the EMR section (F3) and go to the Encounter Notes tab.

   • Click the dropdown arrow in the electronic drawer 

   • Select the downloaded form from the list. It will auto-populate patient details.

Employee Spotlight

Ildiko Cserey, RPN - Clinic Manager

As Clinic Manager, Ildiko draws on her background as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to lead our daily operations and provide dedicated support to all who enter the clinic. Her ability to offer bilingual care in Hungarian adds another layer of accessibility to our clinic.

Her focus on organization, communication, and patient-centered care helps ensure a smooth and efficient experience throughout the clinic. We appreciate Ildiko’s leadership and the positive impact she brings to our team and patients.

Have you referred to us before? We'd love to here from you.

Survey