Gated single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial imaging: A new tool in clinical cardiology

Background Gated single-photon emission computed tomography (gated SPECT) m yocardial perfusion imaging allows the analysis of left ventricular (LV) pe rfusion and function during the same acquisition. Results Gated SPECT provides additional information to myocardial perfusion , which improves lest specificity in patients with known or suspected coron ary artery disease and hence diminishes the amount of borderline diagnosis. Because gated SPECT provides reliable information on LV election fraction and LV volumes, it is also a valuable tool in risk stratification. In addit ion, from gated SPECT, images can be reconstructed from which wall motion c an be assessed showing a good correlation with wall motion assessed by acce pted imaging modalities as echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, an d contrast ongiography. In the future wall motion analysis from gated SPECT may also be used for revascularization stratification. Conclusions Gated SPECT gives important additional information beyond myoca rdial perfusion imaging alone, which could have major clinical implications for optimal patient management.