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Becky · 03-24-2007, 06:42 PM

A muga is a precise reading done by a computer. Usually you get a number, let's say 62. An echo's ejection factor is "read" by a cardiologist and is usually a range, lets say 60-65 (as an example if the muga said 62). The echo is just as accurate, especially if the same person is reading it everytime. Also, your parents are right about the bit of radiation involved with Muga - who needs it if it is not necessary.

A muga could be called for if a person is on the borderline of 50 and is also either elderly, ill or has known heart problems. That is when an oncologist might want a precise number versus a range.

If your mother continues to tolerate Herceptin (and it gets better and better over time) do not discourage her as it is a life saving drug. Of course, if there a life threatening problems in taking the drug and her doctors want her off, that is another story all together.

Bottom line to your question, there is very little difference between muga and echo.

Hope this helps

03-24-2007, 06:42 PM	#3
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	A muga is a precise reading done by a computer. Usually you get a number, let's say 62. An echo's ejection factor is "read" by a cardiologist and is usually a range, lets say 60-65 (as an example if the muga said 62). The echo is just as accurate, especially if the same person is reading it everytime. Also, your parents are right about the bit of radiation involved with Muga - who needs it if it is not necessary. A muga could be called for if a person is on the borderline of 50 and is also either elderly, ill or has known heart problems. That is when an oncologist might want a precise number versus a range. If your mother continues to tolerate Herceptin (and it gets better and better over time) do not discourage her as it is a life saving drug. Of course, if there a life threatening problems in taking the drug and her doctors want her off, that is another story all together. Bottom line to your question, there is very little difference between muga and echo. Hope this helps __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"