CPT® Code 78428

Cardiac shunt detection is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes scintigraphy along with a radiolabeled isotope tracer to assess abnormal blood flow within the heart. This procedure is essential for identifying deviations from the normal circulatory pathways, which can indicate the presence of congenital heart defects. In cases of left to right shunting, which is commonly associated with conditions such as septal defects and persistent ductus arteriosus, oxygen-rich blood from the systemic circulation leaks back into the pulmonary circulation. This abnormal flow can lead to increased blood volume in the lungs and potential complications if left untreated. Conversely, right to left shunting occurs in conditions like pulmonary atresia, tricuspid valve atresia, and tetralogy of Fallot, where oxygen-poor blood is shunted from the right side of the heart to the left, entering systemic circulation and resulting in cyanosis and hypoxemia. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on an imaging table, and a gamma camera is placed over the anterior chest to capture the distribution of the radiolabeled tracer. An intravenous line is established to administer the tracer directly into the bloodstream. Scanning is conducted at predetermined intervals, and the emitted radioactive energy is processed as a cine loop on a computer, allowing for real-time visualization of blood flow. The interpretation of the results is performed by a physician, who will provide a comprehensive written report detailing the findings of the study.