What is the benefit of CT-based attenuation correction in myocardial perfusion SPET?

Hell J Nucl Med. 2016 May-Aug;19(2):89-92. doi: 10.1967/s0024499100360. Epub 2016 Jun 22.

Abstract

In multimodality imaging, CT-derived transmission maps are used for attenuation correction (AC) of SPET or PET data. Regarding SPET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), however, the bene����t of CT-based AC (CT-AC) has been questioned. Although most attenuation-related artifacts are removed by this technique, new false defects may appear while some true perfusion abnormalities may be masked. The merits and the drawbacks of CT-AC in MPI SPET are reviewed and discussed in this editorial. In conclusion, CT-AC is most helpful in men, overweight in particular, and in those with low or low to intermediate pre-test probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is also useful for the evaluation of myocardial viability. In high-risk patients though, CT-AC may underestimate the presence or the extent of CAD. In any case, corrected and non-corrected images should be viewed side-by-side and both considered in the interpretation of the study.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Male
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / methods*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*