Interv Akut Kardiol. 2012;11(2):68-74

Cardiac imaging using SPECT and hybrid SPECT/CT or PET/CT

Milan Kamínek^1,2, Iva Metelková¹, Miroslava Budíková¹, Lenka Henzlová¹, Eva Buriánková¹, Radim Formánek¹

¹ Klinika nukleární medicíny, LF UP a FN Olomouc

² Mezinárodní centrum klinického výzkumu &ndash, Centrum molekulárního zobrazování, FN u sv. Anny, Brno

Integration of CT and nuclear cardiology methods have enabled noninvasive imaging of calcified and non-calcified plaques and assessing

of its hemodynamic significance. CT angiography or myocardial perfusion imaging with SPECT are independent tests recommended

in patients with intermediate pre-test likelihood of coronary artery disease. CT angiography would probably be convenient in

low to moderate likelihood (< 50 %), typically in younger patients, and when is normal, further tests are avoided. However, abnormal or

equivocal findings have to be confirmed by SPECT. Thus, hybrid imaging is essential in many cases. Compared to CT angiography alone,

the combination of SPECT/CT resulted in a significant increase in specificity and positive predictive value. In patients with probability

of multivessel disease (diabetes mellitus, left ventricle dilatation, etc), the addition of calcium scoring or CT angiography can improve

sensitivity of SPECT or PET. However, increase imaging costs and radiation doses associated with combination of more methods must

be taken into consideration.

Keywords: SPECT, PET, CT angiography, Coronary artery calcium score

Published: April 23, 2012  Show citation