Performance of 8- vs 16 ECG-gated reconstructions in assessing myocardial function using Rubidium-82 myocardial perfusion imaging: Findings in a young, healthy population

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Background: Current imaging guidelines recommend using at least 16 ECG gates when performing MUGA and cardiac SPECT to assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, for Rubidium-82 (82Rb) PET, 8 ECG-gated reconstructions have been a mainstay. This study investigated the implications of quantitative assessments when employing 16 gate, instead of 8 gate, reconstructions for 82Rb myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Methods: The study comprised 25 healthy volunteers (median age 23 years) who underwent repeat MPI sessions employing 82Rb PET/CT. We report LVEF, its reserve (stress LVEF – rest LVEF), and their repeatability measures (RMS method) obtained for 8- and 16 ECG-gated reconstructions. Results: Similar LVEF and LVEF reserve estimates were found for the 8- and 16-gated reconstructions ([%] LVEF (8/16 gates): rest = 61 ± 6/64 ± 6, stress = 68 ± 7/71 ± 6, LVEF reserve (8/16 gates): 8 ± 3/6 ± 4, and all P ≥ 0.13). Similar test–retest repeatability measures were observed for rest and stress LVEF and their reserves [LVEF (8/16 gates); Rest = 4.5/4.6 (P = 0.81), Stress = 3.5/3.2 (P = 0.33), LVEF reserve = 46.7/49.3 (P = 0.13)]. Conclusion: In healthy subjects, 8 and 16 ECG gates can be used interchangeably if only volumetric assessments are desired. However, if filling and emptying rates are of interest, a minimum of 16 ECG gates should be employed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Nuclear Cardiology
Volume30
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)1406-1413
ISSN1071-3581
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023, The Author(s) under exclusive licence to American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.

    Research areas

  • adenosine, cardiac imaging, Ejection fraction, PET

ID: 387826415