Learning About a PYP Scan

A PYP scan is a heart imaging test. A small amount of a substance called technetium-99m pyrophosphate (Tc-99m PYP) is put into a vein. This tracer travels through the blood and settles in parts of the heart. Then a camera takes pictures to show what is happening inside the heart.

Doctors often use a PYP scan along with other tests, such as blood tests, echocardiograms (which use sound waves to look at the heart), and cardiac MRI scans.

A PYP scan is most often used to check for a disease called transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, or ATTR-CM. In this disease, proteins build up inside the heart muscle. Over time, this can make the heart stiff and can affect how well it pumps blood.

A doctor might suggest that you have this test if you have:

• Shortness of breath.
• Irregular heartbeats.
• Swelling in the feet or ankles.
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Nausea.

It may also be done if other tests show that the heart muscle is thicker than normal or that the heart is not working the way it should.

The tracer Tc-99m PYP is injected into a vein in your arm. The tracer moves through the blood and collects in the heart.

About 1 hour later, a special camera takes pictures of the heart. You need to lie still. In some cases, more pictures are taken at the 3-hour mark if the earlier ones were not clear enough.

Some people may also get a SPECT scan. This is a type of imaging that creates detailed 3D pictures of the heart. After the scan, a doctor looks at the images to see how much tracer collected in the heart. A large amount of tracer in the heart may be a sign of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

You may not need to do anything special before this test. You can usually eat and drink as normal unless your doctor tells you not to.

Before the test, you may be asked about any medicines you take or health conditions you have.

If you have any questions about instructions, ask your healthcare team before your scan.

Right after the scan, you can go back to your normal activities. You may be asked to drink plenty of water to help your body remove the tracer faster.

A specialist will also look at the images and send the results to your doctor. Your doctor will go over what the results mean and let you know if you need any more tests.

A PYP scan uses a very small amount of radioactive material in the tracer. The level of radiation is low, and most people have no side effects.

Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual after the test.