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Joan M · 11-23-2009, 10:56 AM

Dianne,

A MUGA scan is usually considered the most accurate test of the left ventricle ejection fraction, which Herceptin affects. A low LVEF is a sign of possible congestive heart failure.

However, an echo can take the place of the MUGA. The MUGA is a nuclear test involving a shot in the vein of a radioactive isotope. In my case, and since I get other scans with contrast, I decided to switch to an echo last year, as there's no contrast medium.

As pointed out, the normal range of the LVEF is 50%-70%. A MUGA gives an exact percent. However, an echo is often reported in a range, because sometimes it's hard to get an exact number.

Unless you're having problems, the echo is fine.

Also, the protocol for Herceptin calls for discontinuing the drug if the LVEF score drops more than 10% between scans, even if the percentage is still within the normal limits.

Joan

11-23-2009, 10:56 AM	#13
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Re: Echocardiogram question Dianne, A MUGA scan is usually considered the most accurate test of the left ventricle ejection fraction, which Herceptin affects. A low LVEF is a sign of possible congestive heart failure. However, an echo can take the place of the MUGA. The MUGA is a nuclear test involving a shot in the vein of a radioactive isotope. In my case, and since I get other scans with contrast, I decided to switch to an echo last year, as there's no contrast medium. As pointed out, the normal range of the LVEF is 50%-70%. A MUGA gives an exact percent. However, an echo is often reported in a range, because sometimes it's hard to get an exact number. Unless you're having problems, the echo is fine. Also, the protocol for Herceptin calls for discontinuing the drug if the LVEF score drops more than 10% between scans, even if the percentage is still within the normal limits. Joan __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!! Last edited by Joan M; 11-23-2009 at 11:03 AM..