Echo or Muga, what's better?

Jackie · 03-26-2006, 03:34 PM

I had a echo before I started A/C chemo. I then had a MUGA at the beginning of my Taxotere/Herceptin and have these every 3 months. Yes, the MUGA's they take a little bit of blood and mix it with a radioactive substance and then reinject it into you. This helps with the contrast of the MUGA. It is not a big deal but it takes about 1-1 1/2 hours. The MUGA itself takes about 20 min. The rest of the time is waiting for the chemicals and blood to react. From reading on this site I think MUGAs are used more, but some do use the echo.

Jackie

tousled1 · 03-26-2006, 03:35 PM

My oncologist sends me for an echo every three months.

karenann · 03-26-2006, 03:40 PM

I get an echo every three months.

Karen

Sandy H · 03-26-2006, 03:46 PM

I get muga's. I think its the doctor's preference which one he likes. I would prefer the echo but mine happens to like the muga so have not pushed it. Don't if the cost is a reason or not. Sandy

suzan w · 03-26-2006, 06:36 PM

My onc thinks the MUGA gives a more accurate picture

Sue2001 · 03-26-2006, 07:04 PM

My oncologist has always called them echo's but I get an injection before each one. Does that mean it's really a MUGA?

Thanks, Sue

snoopy · 03-27-2006, 04:48 AM

Think either is acceptable - just need to measure LVEF (results between two I don't think can be compared).

I'm having echo with dopplers. I guess individuals will have their own preferences. I did ask the question echo or MUGA at one scan. The view was ECHO could give other measurements (vetricle wall size etc.) I'm sure MUGA advocates will have other answers.