Color-encoded semiautomatic analysis of multi-slice first-pass magnetic resonance perfusion: comparison to tetrofosmin single photon emission computed tomography perfusion and X-ray angiography.
OBJECTIVE
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion can accurately detect coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the absence of efficient, easy-to-use and reliable image analysis software is an obstacle to its introduction into clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate new color-encoded semiautomatic software for analysis of first-pass CMR perfusion in comparison to tetrofosmin myocardial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), using X-ray angiography as the standard of truth for the detection of CAD.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients underwent both SPECT and CMR perfusion at rest and adenosine stress. Twenty of these patients also underwent X-ray angiography. Off-line CMR image analysis consisted of six steps to generate a color display of the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI). The MPRI color-maps were analyzed visually and compared to SPECT.


RESULTS
In comparison to X-ray angiography overall accuracy was 87% for CMR and 77% for SPECT perfusion to detect significant CAD (stenosis > or =70%). In comparison with SPECT sensitivity was 80%, specificity 91%, and the overall agreement 89% for CMR.


CONCLUSIONS
Post-processing of CMR perfusion data using new semiautomatic software to generate and display the MPRI visually as color-encoded images is feasible and fast. In this study it yielded higher accuracy than SPECT to detect significant CAD on X-ray angiography. Correlation between SPECT and CMR accuracy for detection of perfusion defects was high. This method may accelerate the time-consuming analysis of CMR perfusion data, thus enabling a more widespread clinical utility.
Thiele
Holger
H
Department of Cardiology, University of Leipzig-Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany. thielh@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Plein
Sven
S
Breeuwer
Marcel
M
Ridgway
John P
JP
Higgins
David
D
Thorley
Penelope J
PJ
Schuler
Gerhard
G
Sivananthan
Mohan U
MU
D000241:Adenosine; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D014965:X-Rays
D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C078700:technetium tc-99m tetrofosmin; D000241:Adenosine