PET/CT Dramatically More Effective at Diagnosing Heart Problems Than SPECT

Results of a study that compares the effectiveness of two heart imaging technologies, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and coronary-specific Positron Emission Tomography (cardiac PET/CT) have been presented at the 64th American College of Cardiology (ACC; Washington DC, USA) annual Scientific Session on March 15, 2015, in San Diego (CA, USA). While SPECT scans have been the primary tool for diagnosing coronary artery disease and other heart problem for many years, the use of PET/CT is now increasing.

The study was carried out by researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute (Salt Lake City, UT, USA) who found that SPECT imaging gave a clear diagnosis of heart problems only 30 percent of the time, while PET/CT imaging diagnosed heart problems with 88 percent certainty. Cardiac PET/CT scans reduced the need for invasive techniques such as coronary angiograms and cardiac catheters by more than 50%, provided higher image quality and accuracy, and enabled scanning of female or obese patients, or those that had prominent liver or GI tract activity.

Kent Meredith, MD, cardiologist at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and the lead researcher of the study, said, “What we’ve found is that cardiac PET/CT scans offer higher accuracy and much better image quality. We have much more confidence in the results and there is far less radiation exposure for patients.”

Related Links:
Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute