Abstract
589
Objectives: Myocardial perfusion imaging with attenuation correction (AC) currently utilises radio-isotope sources for the transmission maps. Multi-detector hybrid imaging technique (SPECT/MDCT) has been recently introduced to generate attenuation corrected cardiac SPECT studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the number of incidental findings detected on the CT portion of this study; this information was gathered as part of a study undertaken primarily to validate and create a database of SPECT/MDCT cardiac perfusion imaging in healthy volunteers.
Methods: 38 healthy volunteers were recruited based on a less than 5% pre-test probability of coronary disease (Diamond and Forester methodology/score). As part of the AC process a low dose MDCT was obtained (Siemens SymbiaT6) from the aortic arch to the epigastrium. No intravenous contrast material was administered for the examinations. The CT images were reviewed for radiology findings by two fellowship trained radiologists on a consensus basis. CT findings were categorized as either major or minor. Major findings were defined as abnormalities which may require further evaluation (clinical/further imaging); minor findings were those that may not warrant further evaluation
Results: The study population comprised 25 female, 13 male; age range 31-65 years. Total number of major CT findings was 8 in 8 subjects. A total of 58 minor CT findings were detected in 24 subjects (range of findings from 1-9 in each patient).
Conclusions: SPECT/MDCT AC cardiac perfusion imaging is a novel technology. A significant proportion of thoracic and upper abdominal CT findings were detected in a healthy volunteer population. Prompt detection and appropriate interpretation of these CT findings is necessary for further management.
- Society of Nuclear Medicine, Inc.