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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 4/2009

01-04-2009 | Original Article

Rubidium-82 PET-CT for quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow: validation in a canine model of coronary artery stenosis

Authors: Riikka Lautamäki, Richard T. George, Kakuya Kitagawa, Takahiro Higuchi, Jennifer Merrill, Corina Voicu, Anthony DiPaula, Stephan G. Nekolla, João A. C. Lima, Albert C. Lardo, Frank M. Bengel

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 4/2009

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Abstract

Purpose

Absolute quantification of myocardial blood flow expands the diagnostic potential of PET for assessment of coronary artery disease. 82Rb has significantly contributed to increasing utilization of PET; however, clinical studies are still mostly analysed qualitatively. The aim of this study was to reevaluate the feasibility of 82Rb for flow quantification, using hybrid PET-CT in an animal model of coronary stenosis.

Methods

Nine dogs were prepared with experimental coronary artery stenosis. Dynamic PET was performed for 8 min after 82Rb(1480–1850 MBq) injection during adenosine-induced vasodilation. Microspheres were injected simultaneously for reference flow measurements. CT angiography was used to determine the myocardial regions related to the stenotic vessel. Two methods for flow calculation were employed: a two-compartment model including a spill-over term, and a simplified retention index.

Results

The two-compartment model data were in good agreement with microsphere flow (y = 0.84x + 0.20; r = 0.92, p<0.0001), although there was variability in the physiological flow range <3 ml/g per minute (y = 0.54x + 0.53; r = 0.53, p = 0.042). Results from the retention index also correlated well with microsphere flow (y = 0.47x + 0.52; r = 0.75, p = 0.0004). Error increased with higher flow, but the correlation was good in the physiological range (y = 0.62x + 0.29; r = 0.84, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Using current state-of-the-art PET-CT systems, quantification of myocardial blood flow is feasible with 82Rb. A simplified approach based on tracer retention is practicable in the physiological flow range. These results encourage further testing of the robustness and usefulness in the clinical context of cardiac hybrid imaging.
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Metadata
Title
Rubidium-82 PET-CT for quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow: validation in a canine model of coronary artery stenosis
Authors
Riikka Lautamäki
Richard T. George
Kakuya Kitagawa
Takahiro Higuchi
Jennifer Merrill
Corina Voicu
Anthony DiPaula
Stephan G. Nekolla
João A. C. Lima
Albert C. Lardo
Frank M. Bengel
Publication date
01-04-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-008-0972-1

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