Abstract

Introduction

The aim was to assess the diagnostic performance of SPECT-CT versus studies without attenuation correction (S -AC) by visual analysis and correlation with coronary angiography.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients (16 men 62 ± 8.4 years) were retrospectively evaluated referred for chest pain who had SPECT and coronary angiography (± 3 weeks). Two observers reported images of S-AC and AC. The correlation of the 20 patients was performed by vessel (ADA, Cx and RCA) for a total of 60 vessels evaluated. Estimates of sensitivity (S), specificity (E), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) considering significant obstruction coronary ≥70 % and significant ischemia ≥5 % by territory were performed.

Other variables measured

Weight, height, sex, body mass index (BMI).

Results

Twenty percent of angiographies were normal or had no significant obstruction. As per the results of the 60 vessels evaluated by coronary angiography, CT-AC images showed S: 88% (NS) and E: 75% (p = 0.0073), and S-AC S: 88% and E: 50%. The PPV and NPV was 93% and 60% for CT- AC and 88% and 50% for S-AC. The right coronary artery presented E: 78% (p: 0.003) for AC images versus 65% for S-AC.

Conclusion

Images with CT-AC showed higher specificity than S-AC images. AC had better specificity in detecting stenosis of the right coronary artery.