Solid-State Detector SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

There has been an evolutionary leap in SPECT imaging with the advent of camera systems that use solid-state crystals and novel collimator designs configured specifically for cardiac imaging. Solid-state SPECT camera systems have facilitated dramatic reductions in both imaging time and radiation dose while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. These advances are related to simultaneous improvement in photon sensitivity due to the collimator and imaging geometry, as well as image resolution due to the improved energy resolution of the new crystals. Improved photon sensitivity has facilitated fast or low-dose myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), and early dynamic imaging has emerged as a technique for assessing myocardial blood flow with SPECT. Lastly, general-purpose solid-state camera systems and hybrid SPECT/CT systems have also been developed that may have important clinical roles in cardiac imaging. This review summarizes state-of-the-art solid-state SPECT MPI technology and clinical applications, including emerging techniques for SPECT MPI flow estimation. We also discuss imaging protocols used with the new cameras, potential imaging pitfalls, and the latest data providing large-scale validation of the diagnostic and prognostic value of this new technology.