Michael Nagler

A Novel High-Sensitivity Rapid-Acquisition Single-Photon Cardiac Imaging Camera

This study described and validated a new solid-state single-photon γ-camera and compared it with a conventional-SPECT Anger camera. The compact new camera uses a unique method for localizing γ-photon information with a bank of 9 solid-state detector columns with tungsten collimators that rotate independently. Methods: Several phantom studies were performed comparing the new technology with conventional-SPECT technology. These included measurements of line sources and single- and dual-radionuclide studies of a torso phantom. Simulations were also performed using a cardiothoracic phantom. Furthermore, 18 patients were scanned with both the new camera and a conventional-SPECT camera. Results: The new camera had a count sensitivity that was 10 times higher than that of the conventional camera and a compensated spatial resolution that was moderately better. Dual-radionuclide studies using a phantom show the further potential of the new camera for a 2-tracer simultaneous acquisition. Two-minute clinical studies with the new camera and 11-min studies with the conventional camera qualitatively showed good-to-excellent image quality and improved myocardial edge definition for the new camera. Conclusion: These initial performance characteristics of a new solid-state single-photon γ-camera offer great promise for clinical dynamic SPECT protocols, with important implications for applications in nuclear cardiology and molecular imaging.