IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION IN CARDIAC SPECT IMAGE PROCESSING

Authors

  • A. NAUM “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Manuela URSARU “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Paloma MANEA “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Cipriana STEFANESCU “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • D. NEGRU “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Irina JARI “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Keywords:

SPECT, MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING, FBP RECONSTRUCTION, FLASH 3D

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of two reconstruction techniques of myocardial perfusion images (MPI) in cardiac patients considered at low risk for myocardial perfusion abnormalities. Materials and methods: We evaluated 36 patients (10 males, 26 females; median age 61 years) with rest MPI studies by comparing their myocardial SPECT images reconstructed using two different algorithms. All patients underwent myocardial SPECT imaging with 99m Tc Tetrofosmin at rest, using a Symbia Evo Excel SPECT or a Siemens e.cam dual head system. SPECT images were reconstructed using filtered back projection method, and an iterative reconstruction method using the 3D Flash algorithm. For the quantitative evaluation of the reconstructed images by two methods, the contrast, contrast to noise ratio and signal to noise ratio were calculated. Using a standard template of coronary artery distribution and the polar map displays, the summed rest scores (SRS) were calculated according to the standard coronary artery distribution. Results: 3D Flash reconstruction algorithm significantly increases image contrast by 31% (p < 0.005). There were significant differences between FBP and 3D FLASH reconstruction in reducing the perfusion artifacts in right coronary artery (RCA) territories. Summed Rest Score (SRS) showed a significant decrease by 64 % (p<0.01) between the long-established FBP reconstruction and 3D Flash algorithm. Conclusions: 3D Flash-based reconstruction showed a significant improvement in image contrast and a decrease in many artifacts at the level of the inferior wall.

Author Biographies

  • A. NAUM, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine,
    Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences (II)

  • Manuela URSARU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine,
    Department of Surgery (II)

  • Paloma MANEA, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine,
    Department of Medical Specialties (I)

  • Cipriana STEFANESCU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine,
    Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences (II)

  • D. NEGRU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine,
    Department of Surgery (II)

  • Irina JARI, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine,
    Department of Surgery (II)

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Additional Files

Published

2017-12-22

Issue

Vol. 121 No. 4 (2017): The Medical-Surgical Journal

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS

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