In a recent headline from the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), a new imaging modality called dynamic single photon emission computed tomography (D-SPECT) was described as having better specificity and sensitivity than Anger Camera SPECT (A-SPECT) technology:
Phantom studies were carried out to assess sensitivity and resolution of D-SPECT in comparison with the conventional Anger Camera SPECT (A-SPECT). In all studies, the D-SPECT system sensitivity was more than 10 times greater than A-SPECT. D-SPECT spatial resolution was two times higher than A-SPECT, despite imaging for one-tenth the time. Excellent images in human volunteers have also been obtained in two minutes with D-SPECT compared to 17 minutes with conventional SPECT…
The machine, manufactured by Spectrum-Dynamics Ltd. of Haifa, Israel was specifically designed to resolve the conflict between sensitivity and resolution that is inherent in standard Anger camera SPECT (A-SPECT), according to the company.
The technology:
Spectrum Dynamics’ advanced BroadView™ technology resolves the inherent trade-off between resolution and sensitivity by employing novel ways of views selection and scanning geometry. By employing unique image reconstruction algorithms, the BroadView™ technology enables collection of radiation from a solid angle substantially larger than in conventional SPECT cameras. Whereas in a conventional camera, increasing the acceptance angle of the collimator automatically means reduction of image quality, with BroadView™ not only is there a quantum improvement in sensitivity, but the reconstructed image also has a substantially better spatial resolution.
The capability of independently controlled scanning from a plurality of directions allows for differential scanning of the volume of interest enabling a further localized increase of resolution and sensitivity.This enables kinetic perfusion tracer models for a variety of applications, including absolute myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve measurements.
Additionally, improved sensitivity and spectral resolution enables use of lower dose and novel combinations of radiopharmaceutical tracers. The dynamic imaging protocols developed for such radiopharmaceutical combinations will provide clinicians with information that currently is not available with routine nuclear imaging procedures, and allowing for differential diagnosis.
While BroadView™ is independent of the detecting system employed (e.g. the commonly used scintillator PMT combination), by employing novel solid-state detectors such as Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT), significant miniaturization of the hardware is made possible, adding another important feature to this novel technology.
By employing BroadView™ together with the SmartDispenser™ and SmartSyringe™, nuclear imaging procedures become significantly shorter and more patient-friendly while opening the door to nuclear imaging applications not perceived in the past.
To read more about the D-SPECT™ Cardiac Scanner, go to the company’s website…
RSNA press release…
Study results, as presented at RSNA…