Validation of a new automated method for analysis of gated‐SPECT images

Abstract

We recently presented a new method for quantification of CArdiac FUnction--denoted CAFU--as the first step in the development of an automated method for integrated interpretation of gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. The aim of this study was to validate CAFU in the assessment of global and regional function of the left ventricle. Quantitative gated-SPECT (QGS), the most widely used software package for quantification of gated-SPECT images, was used as reference method for the measurements of ejection fraction (EF) and ventricular volumes, and visual analysis by an experienced physician was used as reference method for the measurements of regional wall motion and thickening. Two different groups of consecutive patients referred for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy were studied. Global function was evaluated in 316 patients and regional function in 49 other patients. The studies were performed using a 2-day stress/rest 99 m-Tc-sestamibi protocol. A good correlation was found between EF values from QGS and CAFU (EF CAFU = 0.84 EF QGS + 13, r = 0.94), but CAFU values were on average 4 EF points higher than QGS values. With CAFU the segments with normal thickening according to the physician showed significantly higher thickening values (in all parts of the myocardium) compared to the segments classified as having abnormal thickening. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CAFU can be used to quantify global and regional function in gated-SPECT images. This is an important step in our development of an automated method for integrated interpretation of gated-SPECT myocardial perfusion scintigraphy studies.

Comparison of phase dyssynchrony analysis using gated myocardial perfusion imaging with four software programs: Based on the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine working group normal database

“…QGS software used an ellipsoid shape and iterative process to fit the myocardial walls 8,14. The algorithm of HFV used the “modified threshold method”,15 and the method of cREPO based on the active-shape model 16,17. All of these processing algorithms were specifically developed and refined thereafter 13,14.…”

Derivation of a respiration trigger signal in small animal list-mode PET based on respiration-induced variations of the ECG signal

“…This VOI was created in the non-gated static images and applied to gate 2 of the respiratory-gated image to account for the myocardium to blood contrast, with and without the exclusion of respiratory motion. FDG data were also analyzed by automated quantification software (QGS 2008 Ò ) 28,29 to determine left ventricular function parameters (LVF). The term LVF in the context of this work comprises the parameters end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).…”

Use of neural networks to improve quality control of interpretations in myocardial perfusion imaging

“…The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Gothenburg University. The patient material was also included in a previous validation of a gated-SPECT quantification algorithm [8].…”