Tc-99m tetrofosmin myocardial SPECT perfusion imaging: comparison of rest-stress and stress-rest protocols.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Tc-99m tetrofosmin SPECT myocardial perfusion scintigraphy rest/stress and stress/rest protocols for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD).


METHODS
65 patients underwent both rest and stress SPECT imaging in a one-day protocol and coronary angiography within 2 months before or after scintigraphy. Scintigraphic data was obtained according to two different protocols; 1) rest-stress (n = 18) and 2) stress-rest (n = 47).


RESULTS
Scintigraphic evidence for myocardial ischaemia was found in 36 patients (55%). The overall sensitivity to detect CAD (> 50% luminal stenosis) was 94% (34/36), specificity 66% (19/24), positive predictive value 77%, negative predictive value 90%. The sensitivity to detect CAD for protocols 1 and 2 were 100% and 93%, specificity 56% and 70%, positive predictive value 69% and 81% and negative predictive value 100% and 88%, respectively. The left anterior descending coronary artery showed a sensitivity (overall, protocol 1 & 2) of 78%, 75% (3/4) and 79% (15/19) and a specificity of 71%, 64% (9/14) and 75% (21/28). The right coronary artery showed a sensitivity (overall, protocol 1 & 2) of 91%, 100% (6/6) and 88% (14/16) and a specificity of 70%, 92% (11/12) and 61% (19/31). The left circumflex coronary artery showed a sensitivity (overall, protocol 1 & 2) of 50%, 67% (2/3) and 46% (6/13) and a specificity of 94%, 100% (15/15) and 91% (31/34).


CONCLUSIONS
Tc-99m tetrofosmin appears to be a valuable tool in predicting significant CAD. The sensitivity and the positive predictive value are high, making this test highly appropriate for the diagnosis of CAD. The diagnostic value of the individual coronary arteries is high to moderate. No significant differences were found between both protocols.
Boomsma
M M
MM
Department of Cardiology, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Niemeyer
M G
MG
van der Wall
E E
EE
van Eck-Smit
B L
BL
Zwinderman
A H
AH
Boomsma
J H
JH
Pauwels
E K
EK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012146:Rest; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C078700:technetium tc-99m tetrofosmin