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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 10/2010

Open Access 01-10-2010 | Original Article

A fast cardiac gamma camera with dynamic SPECT capabilities: design, system validation and future potential

Authors: Moshe Bocher, Ira M. Blevis, Leonid Tsukerman, Yigal Shrem, Gil Kovalski, Lana Volokh

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 10/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this study is to present the Discovery NM 530c (DNM), a cardiac SPECT camera, interfacing multi-pinhole collimators with solid-state modules, aiming at slashing acquisition time without jeopardizing quality. DNM resembles PET since it enables 3-D SPECT without detector motion. We further envision how these novel capabilities may help with current and future challenges of cardiac imaging.

Methods

DNM sensitivity, spatial resolution (SR) and energy resolution (ER), count rate response, cardiac uniformity and cardiac defect contrast were measured and compared to a dedicated cardiac, dual-head standard SPECT (S-SPECT) camera.

Results

DNM sensitivity was more than threefold higher while SR was notably better. Significantly, SR was the same for 99mTc and 201Tl. ER was improved on DNM and allowed good separation of 99mTc and 123I spectral peaks. Count rate remained linear on DNM up to 612 kcps, while S-SPECT showed severe dead time limitations. Phantom studies revealed comparable uniformity and defect contrast, notwithstanding significantly shorter acquisition time for the DNM. First patient images, including dynamic SPECT, are also presented.

Conclusion

DNM is raising the bar for expedition and upgrade of practice. It features high sensitivity as well as improved SR, temporal resolution and ER. It enables reduction of acquisition time and fast protocols. Importantly, it is potentially capable of dynamic 3-D acquisition. The new technology is potentially upgradeable and may become a milestone in the evolution of nuclear cardiology as it assumes its key role in molecular imaging of the heart.
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Metadata
Title
A fast cardiac gamma camera with dynamic SPECT capabilities: design, system validation and future potential
Authors
Moshe Bocher
Ira M. Blevis
Leonid Tsukerman
Yigal Shrem
Gil Kovalski
Lana Volokh
Publication date
01-10-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 10/2010
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-010-1488-z

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