TECHNETIUM-99M-MIBI MYOCARDIAL SPECT - SUPINE VERSUS RIGHT LATERAL IMAGING AND COMPARISON WITH CORONARY ARTERIOGRAPHY

Myocardial perfusion SPECT using the prone position improves inferior wall counts and decreases motion problems as compared with the usual s upine position. Nonetheless, it is not suitable for women. In addition , it is associated with artifactual anteroseptal defects and hot spots . Methods: The right lateral (RL) position was evaluated instead of th e prone position in 72 patients (26 women). RL imaging was performed i mmediately after the supine imaging during a routine 2-day Tc-99m-sest amibi exercise protocol. The SPECT images were scored semiquantitative ly by three physicians, Moreover, regional myocardial counts, as well as extent and severity of defects, were assessed by quantitative polar map analysis, Results: All patients tolerated the RL position well an d there was no significant patient movement in either position. Higher inferior myocardial counts per pixel were observed in the RL than in supine images. Inferior wall defects (especially mild ones) were more common in the supine than the RL images, whereas defects in other regi ons were not different. Quantitative analysis confirmed these findings . Analysis of 34 patients with recent coronary arteriography revealed an overall coronary artery disease (CAD) supine- and RL-imaging specif icity of 50% and 75%, respectively, and the sensitivities of both were 93%, Right CAD sensitivity, specificity and normalcy rates for the su pine position were 100%, 44% and 55%, whereas those of the RL position were 94%, 75% and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: The RL position impr oves CAD diagnostic accuracy, particularly right CAD, without signific ant artifacts in other myocardial regions, Unlike the prone position, the RL position is well tolerated by both women and men.