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Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Using Thallium-201: A New Algorithm for Calculation of Background Activity

Duke University Medical Center, and Veterans Administration Hospital, Durham, North Carolina

Correspondence: For reprints contact: John W. Beck, P.O. Box 3949. Imaging Division, Dept. of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.

ABSTRACT

A method is presented for calculating a background image to be subtracted from Tl-201 myocardial perfusion images. The method was derived from experimental measurements of background components in which hearts of animals injected with Tl-201 were replaced with hearts from nonradioactive animals. The algorithm generates a background image that accounts for Tl-201 activity in surrounding tissues and within the cardiac chamber. Comparison of the computer-generated background images with background images of the experimental models showed a mean difference of about 3% (range 1–6%). Clinical images using this method of background generation and subtraction are presented.