Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 12/2012

01-12-2012 | Original Article

Hypodense regions in unenhanced CT identify nonviable myocardium: validation versus 18F-FDG PET

Authors: Tobias A. Fuchs, Jelena R. Ghadri, Julia Stehli, Catherine Gebhard, Egle Kazakauskaite, Bernd Klaeser, Oliver Gaemperli, Michael Fiechter, Philipp A. Kaufmann

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 12/2012

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of hypodense regions in non-contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography (unenhanced CT) to identify nonviable myocardial scar tissue.

Methods

Hypodense areas were visually identified in unenhanced CT of 80 patients in the left ventricular anterior, apical, septal, lateral and inferior myocardium and CT density was measured in Hounsfield units (HU). Findings were compared to 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by positron emission tomography (FDG PET), which served as the standard of reference to distinguish scar (<50 % FDG uptake) from viable tissue (≥50 % uptake).

Results

Visually detected hypodense regions demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 74, 97, 84 and 94 %, respectively. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a cutoff value of mean HU at <28.8 for predicting scar tissue with an area under the curve of 0.93 yielding a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 94, 90, 67 and 99 %, respectively.

Conclusion

Hypodense regions in unenhanced cardiac CT scans allow accurate identification of nonviable myocardial scar tissue.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Klocke FJ, Baird MG, Lorell BH, Bateman TM, Messer JV, Berman DS, et al. ACC/AHA/ASNC guidelines for the clinical use of cardiac radionuclide imaging—executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (ACC/AHA/ASNC Committee to Revise the 1995 Guidelines for the Clinical Use of Cardiac Radionuclide Imaging). J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;42(7):1318–33.PubMedCrossRef Klocke FJ, Baird MG, Lorell BH, Bateman TM, Messer JV, Berman DS, et al. ACC/AHA/ASNC guidelines for the clinical use of cardiac radionuclide imaging—executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (ACC/AHA/ASNC Committee to Revise the 1995 Guidelines for the Clinical Use of Cardiac Radionuclide Imaging). J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;42(7):1318–33.PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Pazhenkottil AP, Ghadri JR, Nkoulou RN, Wolfrum M, Buechel RR, Küest SM, et al. Improved outcome prediction by SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging after CT attenuation correction. J Nucl Med 2011;52(2):196–200.PubMedCrossRef Pazhenkottil AP, Ghadri JR, Nkoulou RN, Wolfrum M, Buechel RR, Küest SM, et al. Improved outcome prediction by SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging after CT attenuation correction. J Nucl Med 2011;52(2):196–200.PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Heller GV, Links J, Bateman TM, Ziffer JA, Ficaro E, Cohen MC, et al. American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and Society of Nuclear Medicine joint position statement: attenuation correction of myocardial perfusion SPECT scintigraphy. J Nucl Cardiol 2004;11(2):229–30.PubMedCrossRef Heller GV, Links J, Bateman TM, Ziffer JA, Ficaro E, Cohen MC, et al. American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and Society of Nuclear Medicine joint position statement: attenuation correction of myocardial perfusion SPECT scintigraphy. J Nucl Cardiol 2004;11(2):229–30.PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Schepis T, Gaemperli O, Koepfli P, Namdar M, Valenta I, Scheffel H, et al. Added value of coronary artery calcium score as an adjunct to gated SPECT for the evaluation of coronary artery disease in an intermediate-risk population. J Nucl Med 2007;48(9):1424–30.PubMedCrossRef Schepis T, Gaemperli O, Koepfli P, Namdar M, Valenta I, Scheffel H, et al. Added value of coronary artery calcium score as an adjunct to gated SPECT for the evaluation of coronary artery disease in an intermediate-risk population. J Nucl Med 2007;48(9):1424–30.PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Ghadri JR, Pazhenkottil AP, Nkoulou RN, Goetti R, Buechel RR, Husmann L, et al. Very high coronary calcium score unmasks obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with normal SPECT MPI. Heart 2011;97(12):998–1003.PubMedCrossRef Ghadri JR, Pazhenkottil AP, Nkoulou RN, Goetti R, Buechel RR, Husmann L, et al. Very high coronary calcium score unmasks obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with normal SPECT MPI. Heart 2011;97(12):998–1003.PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Burger IA, Husmann L, Herzog BA, Buechel RR, Pazhenkottil AP, Ghadri JR, et al. Main pulmonary artery diameter from attenuation correction CT scans in cardiac SPECT accurately predicts pulmonary hypertension. J Nucl Cardiol 2011;18(4):634–41.PubMedCrossRef Burger IA, Husmann L, Herzog BA, Buechel RR, Pazhenkottil AP, Ghadri JR, et al. Main pulmonary artery diameter from attenuation correction CT scans in cardiac SPECT accurately predicts pulmonary hypertension. J Nucl Cardiol 2011;18(4):634–41.PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Husmann L, Tatsugami F, Aepli U, Herzog BA, Valenta I, Veit-Haibach P, et al. Prevalence of noncardiac findings on low dose 64-slice computed tomography used for attenuation correction in myocardial perfusion imaging with SPECT. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2009;25(8):859–65.PubMedCrossRef Husmann L, Tatsugami F, Aepli U, Herzog BA, Valenta I, Veit-Haibach P, et al. Prevalence of noncardiac findings on low dose 64-slice computed tomography used for attenuation correction in myocardial perfusion imaging with SPECT. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2009;25(8):859–65.PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Husmann L, Tatsugami F, Buechel RR, Pazhenkottil AP, Kaufmann PA. Incidental detection of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma on low-dose computed tomography used for attenuation correction in myocardial perfusion imaging with SPECT. Clin Nucl Med 2010;35(9):751–2.PubMedCrossRef Husmann L, Tatsugami F, Buechel RR, Pazhenkottil AP, Kaufmann PA. Incidental detection of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma on low-dose computed tomography used for attenuation correction in myocardial perfusion imaging with SPECT. Clin Nucl Med 2010;35(9):751–2.PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Nasir K, Katz R, Mao S, Takasu J, Bomma C, Lima JA, et al. Comparison of left ventricular size by computed tomography with magnetic resonance imaging measures of left ventricle mass and volumes: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2008;2(3):141–8.PubMedCrossRef Nasir K, Katz R, Mao S, Takasu J, Bomma C, Lima JA, et al. Comparison of left ventricular size by computed tomography with magnetic resonance imaging measures of left ventricle mass and volumes: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2008;2(3):141–8.PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Cheng VY, Dey D, Tamarappoo B, Nakazato R, Gransar H, Miranda-Peats R, et al. Pericardial fat burden on ECG-gated noncontrast CT in asymptomatic patients who subsequently experience adverse cardiovascular events. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2010;3(4):352–60.PubMedCrossRef Cheng VY, Dey D, Tamarappoo B, Nakazato R, Gransar H, Miranda-Peats R, et al. Pericardial fat burden on ECG-gated noncontrast CT in asymptomatic patients who subsequently experience adverse cardiovascular events. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2010;3(4):352–60.PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Gupta M, Kadakia J, Hacioglu Y, Ahmadi N, Patel A, Choi T, et al. Non-contrast cardiac computed tomography can accurately detect chronic myocardial infarction: validation study. J Nucl Cardiol 2011;18(1):96–103.PubMedCrossRef Gupta M, Kadakia J, Hacioglu Y, Ahmadi N, Patel A, Choi T, et al. Non-contrast cardiac computed tomography can accurately detect chronic myocardial infarction: validation study. J Nucl Cardiol 2011;18(1):96–103.PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Rajani R, Dey D, Berman DS. Non-enhanced cardiac computed tomography-still an open book. J Nucl Cardiol 2011;18(1):21–3.PubMedCrossRef Rajani R, Dey D, Berman DS. Non-enhanced cardiac computed tomography-still an open book. J Nucl Cardiol 2011;18(1):21–3.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Schinkel AF, Bax JJ, Poldermans D, Elhendy A, Ferrari R, Rahimtoola SH. Hibernating myocardium: diagnosis and patient outcomes. Curr Probl Cardiol 2007;32(7):375–410.PubMedCrossRef Schinkel AF, Bax JJ, Poldermans D, Elhendy A, Ferrari R, Rahimtoola SH. Hibernating myocardium: diagnosis and patient outcomes. Curr Probl Cardiol 2007;32(7):375–410.PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Nkoulou R, Pazhenkottil AP, Buechel RR, Husmann L, Valenta I, Herzog BA, et al. Impact of CT attenuation correction on the viability pattern assessed by 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT/18F-FDG PET. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2011;27(6):913–21.PubMedCrossRef Nkoulou R, Pazhenkottil AP, Buechel RR, Husmann L, Valenta I, Herzog BA, et al. Impact of CT attenuation correction on the viability pattern assessed by 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT/18F-FDG PET. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2011;27(6):913–21.PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Knuesel PR, Nanz D, Wyss C, Buechi M, Kaufmann PA, von Schulthess GK, et al. Characterization of dysfunctional myocardium by positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance: relation to functional outcome after revascularization. Circulation 2003;108(9):1095–100.PubMedCrossRef Knuesel PR, Nanz D, Wyss C, Buechi M, Kaufmann PA, von Schulthess GK, et al. Characterization of dysfunctional myocardium by positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance: relation to functional outcome after revascularization. Circulation 2003;108(9):1095–100.PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Dilsizian V, Bacharach SL, Beanlands RS, Bergmann SR, Delbeke D, Gropler RJ, et al. ASNC imaging guidelines for nuclear cardiology procedures. PET myocardial perfusion and metabolism clinical imaging. J Nucl Cardiol 2009;16(4):651.CrossRef Dilsizian V, Bacharach SL, Beanlands RS, Bergmann SR, Delbeke D, Gropler RJ, et al. ASNC imaging guidelines for nuclear cardiology procedures. PET myocardial perfusion and metabolism clinical imaging. J Nucl Cardiol 2009;16(4):651.CrossRef
17.
go back to reference Koepfli P, Hany TF, Wyss CA, Namdar M, Burger C, Konstantinidis AV, et al. CT attenuation correction for myocardial perfusion quantification using a PET/CT hybrid scanner. J Nucl Med 2004;45(4):537–42.PubMed Koepfli P, Hany TF, Wyss CA, Namdar M, Burger C, Konstantinidis AV, et al. CT attenuation correction for myocardial perfusion quantification using a PET/CT hybrid scanner. J Nucl Med 2004;45(4):537–42.PubMed
18.
go back to reference Burkhard N, Herzog BA, Husmann L, Pazhenkottil AP, Burger IA, Buechel RR, et al. Coronary calcium score scans for attenuation correction of quantitative PET/CT 13N-ammonia myocardial perfusion imaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2010;37(3):517–21.PubMedCrossRef Burkhard N, Herzog BA, Husmann L, Pazhenkottil AP, Burger IA, Buechel RR, et al. Coronary calcium score scans for attenuation correction of quantitative PET/CT 13N-ammonia myocardial perfusion imaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2010;37(3):517–21.PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Slart RH, Bax JJ, van Veldhuisen DJ, van der Wall EE, Dierckx RA, de Boer J, et al. Prediction of functional recovery after revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction by gated FDG-PET. J Nucl Cardiol 2006;13(2):210–9.PubMed Slart RH, Bax JJ, van Veldhuisen DJ, van der Wall EE, Dierckx RA, de Boer J, et al. Prediction of functional recovery after revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction by gated FDG-PET. J Nucl Cardiol 2006;13(2):210–9.PubMed
20.
go back to reference Johansson L, Mattsson S, Nosslin B, Leide-Svegborn S. Effective dose from radiopharmaceuticals. Eur J Nucl Med 1992;19(11):933–8.PubMedCrossRef Johansson L, Mattsson S, Nosslin B, Leide-Svegborn S. Effective dose from radiopharmaceuticals. Eur J Nucl Med 1992;19(11):933–8.PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Rodríguez-Granillo GA, Rosales MA, Renes P, Diez E, Pereyra J, Gomez E, et al. Chronic myocardial infarction detection and characterization during coronary artery calcium scoring acquisitions. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2010;4(2):99–107.PubMedCrossRef Rodríguez-Granillo GA, Rosales MA, Renes P, Diez E, Pereyra J, Gomez E, et al. Chronic myocardial infarction detection and characterization during coronary artery calcium scoring acquisitions. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2010;4(2):99–107.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Sawada SG, Lewis SJ, Foltz J, Ando A, Khouri S, Kaser S, et al. Usefulness of rest and low-dose dobutamine wall motion scores in predicting survival and benefit from revascularization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol 2002;89(7):811–6.PubMedCrossRef Sawada SG, Lewis SJ, Foltz J, Ando A, Khouri S, Kaser S, et al. Usefulness of rest and low-dose dobutamine wall motion scores in predicting survival and benefit from revascularization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol 2002;89(7):811–6.PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Udelson JE, Coleman PS, Metherall J, Pandian NG, Gomez AR, Griffith JL, et al. Predicting recovery of severe regional ventricular dysfunction. Comparison of resting scintigraphy with 201Tl and 99mTc-sestamibi. Circulation 1994;89(6):2552–61.PubMedCrossRef Udelson JE, Coleman PS, Metherall J, Pandian NG, Gomez AR, Griffith JL, et al. Predicting recovery of severe regional ventricular dysfunction. Comparison of resting scintigraphy with 201Tl and 99mTc-sestamibi. Circulation 1994;89(6):2552–61.PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Beanlands RS, Nichol G, Huszti E, Humen D, Racine N, Freeman M, et al. F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging-assisted management of patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and suspected coronary disease: a randomized, controlled trial (PARR-2). J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;50(20):2002–12.PubMedCrossRef Beanlands RS, Nichol G, Huszti E, Humen D, Racine N, Freeman M, et al. F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging-assisted management of patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and suspected coronary disease: a randomized, controlled trial (PARR-2). J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;50(20):2002–12.PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Yano K, MacLean CJ. The incidence and prognosis of unrecognized myocardial infarction in the Honolulu, Hawaii, Heart Program. Arch Intern Med 1989;149(7):1528–32.PubMedCrossRef Yano K, MacLean CJ. The incidence and prognosis of unrecognized myocardial infarction in the Honolulu, Hawaii, Heart Program. Arch Intern Med 1989;149(7):1528–32.PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Kannel WB, Abbott RD. Incidence and prognosis of unrecognized myocardial infarction. An update on the Framingham study. N Engl J Med 1984;311(18):1144–7.PubMedCrossRef Kannel WB, Abbott RD. Incidence and prognosis of unrecognized myocardial infarction. An update on the Framingham study. N Engl J Med 1984;311(18):1144–7.PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Tillisch J, Brunken R, Marshall R, Schwaiger M, Mandelkern M, Phelps M, et al. Reversibility of cardiac wall-motion abnormalities predicted by positron tomography. N Engl J Med 1986;314(14):884–8.PubMedCrossRef Tillisch J, Brunken R, Marshall R, Schwaiger M, Mandelkern M, Phelps M, et al. Reversibility of cardiac wall-motion abnormalities predicted by positron tomography. N Engl J Med 1986;314(14):884–8.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Brunken R, Schwaiger M, Grover-McKay M, Phelps ME, Tillisch J, Schelbert HR. Positron emission tomography detects tissue metabolic activity in myocardial segments with persistent thallium perfusion defects. J Am Coll Cardiol 1987;10(3):557–67.PubMedCrossRef Brunken R, Schwaiger M, Grover-McKay M, Phelps ME, Tillisch J, Schelbert HR. Positron emission tomography detects tissue metabolic activity in myocardial segments with persistent thallium perfusion defects. J Am Coll Cardiol 1987;10(3):557–67.PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Camici PG, Prasad SK, Rimoldi OE. Stunning, hibernation, and assessment of myocardial viability. Circulation 2008;117(1):103–14.PubMedCrossRef Camici PG, Prasad SK, Rimoldi OE. Stunning, hibernation, and assessment of myocardial viability. Circulation 2008;117(1):103–14.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Hypodense regions in unenhanced CT identify nonviable myocardium: validation versus 18F-FDG PET
Authors
Tobias A. Fuchs
Jelena R. Ghadri
Julia Stehli
Catherine Gebhard
Egle Kazakauskaite
Bernd Klaeser
Oliver Gaemperli
Michael Fiechter
Philipp A. Kaufmann
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 12/2012
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-012-2212-y

Other articles of this Issue 12/2012

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 12/2012 Go to the issue