Normal values for nuclear cardiology: Japanese databases for myocardial perfusion, fatty acid and sympathetic imaging and left ventricular function

Abstract

Myocardial normal databases for stress myocardial perfusion study have been created by the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine Working Group. The databases comprised gender-, camera rotation range- and radiopharmaceutical-specific data-sets from multiple institutions, and normal database files were created for installation in common nuclear cardiology software. Based on the electrocardiography-gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), left ventricular function, including ventricular volumes, systolic and diastolic functions and systolic wall thickening were also analyzed. Normal databases for fatty acid imaging using (123)I-beta-methyl-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid and sympathetic imaging using (123)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine were also examined. This review provides lists and overviews of normal values for myocardial SPECT and ventricular function in a Japanese population. The population-specific approach is a key factor for proper diagnostic and prognostic evaluation.

Fig. 1

Polar map presentation of normal myocardial SPECT databases using a 17-segment model. Average segmental values are overlaid on the maps. Upper two panels stress and rest perfusion studies with ^99mTc-labeled tracers (MIBI and tetrofosmin) and ²⁰¹Tl using 180° and 360° acquisition methods. Lower two panels¹²³I BMIPP and ¹²³I MIBG studies with 180° and 360° acquisition methods

Fig. 2

Regional summed stress scores determined by Japanese 180° and 360° databases (Jp180, Jp360) and an American 180° database (US180). The normal database was applied to a Japanese patient group (n = 90) with a 360° acquisition [7]. a Regional scores in the right coronary artery (RCA) territory in males. b Those in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) territory in females. A P value in eachbar is indicated in comparison with US180 database