Site qualification and clinical interpretation standards for Tc-SPECT perfusion imaging in a multi-center study of MITNEC (Medical Imaging Trials Network of Canada).99m

Jennifer M Renaud; Manuja Premaratne; Marie-Claude Villeneuve; Vincent Finnerty; Francois Harel; Therèse Heinonen; Jean-Claude Tardif; Terrence D Ruddy; Robert A deKemp
Abstract
Qualification and interpretation standards are essential for establishing Tc-SPECT MPI accuracy vs. alternative modalities.99mRest-stress Tc-SPECT phantom scans were acquired on 35 cameras. LV defects were quantified with summed stress (SSS) and difference scores (SDS) at 2 core labs. SDS ≥ 2 in the right coronary artery (RCA) was the qualifying standard. Twenty rest (R)-stress (S) patient images were acquired on qualified cameras and interpreted by core labs. Global scoring differences > 3 between labs or discordant clinical interpretations underwent review. Scoring, interpretation, image quality, and diagnostic parameter agreement were assessed.99mPhantom scans: visual scoring confirmed RCA-ischemia on all cameras. Regional SSS, SDS agreement was moderate to very good: ICC-r = 0.57, 0.84. Patient scans: 90% of global SSS, 85% of SDS differences were ≤ 3. Regional SSS, SDS agreement: ICC-r = 0.87, 0.86, and global abnormal (SSS ≥ 4) and ischemic (SDS ≥ 2) interpretation: ICC-r = 0.90 were excellent. Clinical interpretation agreement was 100% following review. Image quality agreement was 70%. Automated metrics also agreed: ischemic total perfusion deficit ICC-r = 0.75, reversible perfusion defect, transient ischemic dilation, and S-R LV ejection fraction ICC-r ≥ 0.90.Quantitative scoring and interpretation of scans were highly repeatable with site qualification and clinical interpretation standardization, indicating that dual-core lab interpretation is appropriate to determine Tc-SPECT MPI accuracy.99m
Journal JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY
ISSN 1532-6551
Published 01 Dec 2021
Volume 28
Issue 6
Pages 2712-2725
DOI 10.1007/s12350-020-02100-9
Type Journal Article | Multicenter Study
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