Evaluation of SPECT imaging using myocardial phantoms in Akita prefecture

Evaluation of SPECT imaging using myocardial phantom in Akita Prefecture. The Society of Nuclear Medicine for Circulation disease in Akita was established in July, 1997. To improve myocardial spect imaging in Akita Prefecture, we first visually evaluated two acrlic defect (2 cmφ x 1 cm thickness aqcliel and 1 cmφ x 1 cm thickness) images of long axis and short axis of myocardial phantoms, using 14 SPECT Cameras. These defect images of myocardial phantom were evaluated by four cardiologists and twelve radiologists between August and December, 1996. Secondly, we measured the FWHM of four line sources (anterior, lateral, inferior, and septum positions in the short axis of myocardial phantom) using quantitative analysis by myocardial phantom between April and July, 1997. The results were reported at the 4th and 5th meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine for Circulation Disease in Akita. In conclusion, about 70% of myocardial spect images were of good or normal quality, whereas about 30% of the images were evaluated as of bad quality. To improve the myocardial spect images, we recognized that the basic performance of the SPECT cameras need be investigated. (author)