QUANTITATIVE COMPARISON OF PLANAR AND SPECT NORMAL DATA FILES OF TL-201, TECHNETIUM-99M-SESTAMIBI, TECHNETIUM-99M-TETROFOSMIN AND TECHNETIUM-99M-FURIFOSMIN

In recent years, several of (99)m-labeled myocardial perfusion imaging agents have been developed, such as Tc-99m-sestamibi, Tc-99m-tetrofos min and Tc-99m-furifosmin. Although images obtained with these new tra cers have a general similar appearance, there are differences in the m yocardial kinetics, body distribution, general quality of images and i maging protocols. The aim of this study was to quantitatively compare normal exercise planar and SPECT data files obtained with Tl-201 and T c-99m-labeled agents. Methods: Lower-limit-of-normal curves were gener ated for each specific radiopharmaceutical from normal subjects with l ow (<3%) pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease using circumfer ential count distribution profiles from planar and SPECT exercise imag es. Lower-limit-of-normal curves were statistically compared using the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Planar and SPECT lower-limit-of-normal curves generated for each radiopharmaceut ical showed general similarities. Statistically significant difference s among the lower-limit-of-normal curves were found in the planar left anterior oblique view and in the planar left lateral view (p < 0.05 f or each). No statistically significant differences existed between low er-limit-of-normal curves of various radiopharmaceuticals on the plana r anterior view and on SPECT imaging Conclusion: For quantitative anal ysis of planar images, radiopharmaceutical-specific normal data files are mandatory. Although SPECT normal data files of various radiopharma ceuticals are not statistically different, they are not identical. It appears, nevertheless, prudent to use radiopharmaceutical-specific nor mal data files for quantitative analysis of SPECT images.