The diagnostic value of SPECT CZT quantitative myocardial blood flow in high-risk patients

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of global MBF and MFR quantitation performed by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) for the detection of multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: 52 CAD patients underwent CZT MPS, with the evaluation of MBF and MFR, followed by invasive coronary angiography (ICA). According to MPS and ICA results, all patients were divided into three groups: (1) non-obstructive CAD and normal MPS scan (control group) (n = 7), (2) one vessel disease (1VD) (n = 16), (3) multivessel disease (MVD) (n = 29).

Results: Global absolute MBF and MFR were significantly reduced in MVD patients as compared to those with 1VD [0.93 (IQR 0.76; 1.39) vs 1.94 (1.37; 2.21) mL·min^-1·g^-1, P = .00012] and [1.4 (IQR 1.02; 1.85) vs 2.3 (1.8; 2.67), P = . 0 004], respectively. The Syntax score correlated with global stress MBF (ρ = - 0.64; P < .0001) and MFR (ρ = - 0.53; P = .0003). ROC analysis showed higher sensitivity and specificity for stress MBF and MFR compared with semiquantitative MPS stress evaluation. Multivariate regression analysis showed that only stress MBF [OR (95% CI) 0.59 (0.42-0.82); P < .0003] was an independent predictor of MVD.

Conclusions: Quantitative myocardial blood flow values assessed with the use of CZT camera may identify high-risk patients, such as those with multivessel disease.