SPECT Acquisition, Processing and Artifacts
Online Nuclear Cardiology Training Curriculum: Open Access
Guidelines
Journal of Nuclear Cardiology (JNC) Classic Articles
Optimal SPECT processing and display: Making bad studies look good to get the right answer
Dalia Y. Ibrahim, MD, Frank P. DiFilippo, PhD, Jeremy E. Steed, BS, CNMT, and Manuel D. Cerqueira, MD
J Nucl Cardiol 2006;13:855-66.
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging is the work horse of nuclear cardiology but it is not without limitations. Image artifacts resulting from unique features of the patient’s body and behavior during the acquisition, the distribution of the radiopharmaceuticals outside of the heart, and technical factors associated with image acquisition, processing, and display can impact specificity. This review focuses on the practical problems encountered with SPECT imaging over a decade ago and the methods used to overcome them. Technology has undergone significant evolution since this review was published, but many of the issues identified impact imaging today and need to be addressed to obtain optimal SPECT images and to achieve an accurate diagnosis.
Pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusion imaging: A practical approach
Michael I. Miyamoto, MD, MS, Haresh Majmundar, BS, CNMT, Sharon L. Vernotico, RN, Gregory S. Thomas, MD, MPH
J Nucl Cardiol 2007;14:250-255.
This 2007 Practical Points in Nuclear Cardiology discusses a practical approach to the use of adenosine as a vasodilator stress agent. Patient selection, scheduling, preparation, imaging protocol, study interpretation and reporting are discussed. The potential advantages of regadenoson over adenosine are also described. Recent ASNC Practice Points provide important information on the use adenosine, dobutamine, dipyridamole and regadenoson for pharmacologic stress testing.
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