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Background: Cardiac echocardiography and cardiac ECG-gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are the most common modalities for left ventricle (LV) volumes and function assessment. The temporal resolution of SPECT images is limited and an ECG provides better temporal resolution. This study investigates the impact of frame numbers on images in terms of qualitative and quantitative assessments. Methods: In this study, 5 patients underwent echocardiography and cardiac ECG-gated SPECT imaging, and 5 standard views of the LV were recorded to determine LV walls boundaries and volumes. Also, 2 original images with 8 frames and 16 frames per cardiac cycle were recorded simultaneously in a single gantry orbit. Using the data extracted from the LV model, 8 extra new frames were created with interpolation between existing frames of the original 8-frame image. Three series of images (8 and 16 original and 16 interpolated) were reconstructed separately. LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF) were calculated using Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS) software. Results: Compared to the original 8-frame gating, original 16-frame gated images resulted in larger end-diastole volume (EDV) (mean ± SD: 68.6 ± 27.11 mL vs 66.2±25.41 mL, p<0.001), smaller end-systole volume (ESV) (mean ± SD: 24.6±8.7 mL vs 26±7.3 mL, p<0.001), and higher EF (64% vs 60.2%, p<0.001). The results for the interpolated series were also different from the original images (closer to the original 16-frame series rather than 8-frame). Conclusion: Changing the frame number from 8 to 16 in cardiac ECG-gated SPECT images caused a significant change in LV volumes and EF. Frame interpolation with sophisticated algorithms can be used to improve the temporal resolution of SPECT images.
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AIMS: The dose levels for Computed Tomography (CT) localization and attenuation correction of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) are limited and reported as Volume Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIvol) and Dose-Length Product (DLP). This work presents CT dose estimation from Cardiac SPECT/CT based on new American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Size Specific Dose Estimation (SSDE) parameter, effective dose, organ doses and also emission dose from nuclear issue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Myocardial perfusion SPECT/CT for 509 patients was included in the study. SSDE, effective dose and organ dose were calculated using AAPM guideline and Impact-Dose software. Data were analyzed using R and SPSS statistical software. Spearman-Pearson correlation test and linear regression models were used for finding correlations and relationships among parameters. RESULTS: The mean CTDIvol was 1.34 mGy±0.19 and the mean SSDE was 1.7 mGy±0.16. The mean±SD of effective dose from emission, CT and total dose were 11.5±1.4, 0.49±0.11 and 12.67±1.73 (mSv) respectively. The mean±SD of effective dose from emission, CT and total dose were 11.5±1.4, 0.49±0.11 and 12.67±1.73 (mSv) respectively. The spearman test showed that correlation between body size and organ doses is significant except thyroid and red bone marrow. CTDIvol was strongly dependent on patient size, but SSDE was not. Emission dose was strongly dependent on patient weight, but its dependency was lower to effective diameter. CONCLUSION: The dose parameters including CTDIvol, DLP, SSDE, effective dose values reported here are very low and below the reference level. This data suggest that appropriate CT acquisition parameters in SPECT/CT localization and attenuation correction are very beneficial for patients and lowering cancer risks.
