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Review
. 2023 Sep 17;13(18):2971.
doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13182971.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative SPECT-CT Diagnostic Accuracy in Bone Lesion Evaluation-A Review of the Literature

Mario-Demian Mutuleanu  1   2 , Diana Loreta Paun  3   4 , Alexandra Maria Lazar  2   5 , Cristina Petroiu  2 , Oana Gabriela Trifanescu  6   7 , Rodica Maricela Anghel  6   7 , Mirela Gherghe  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Quantitative vs. Qualitative SPECT-CT Diagnostic Accuracy in Bone Lesion Evaluation-A Review of the Literature

Mario-Demian Mutuleanu et al. Diagnostics (Basel). .

Abstract

(1) Background: Considering the importance that quantitative molecular imaging has gained and the need for objective and reproducible image interpretation, the aim of the present review is to emphasize the benefits of performing a quantitative interpretation of single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) studies compared to qualitative interpretation methods in bone lesion evaluations while suggesting new directions for research on this topic. (2) Methods: By conducting comprehensive literature research, we performed an analysis of published data regarding the use of quantitative and qualitative SPECT-CT in the evaluation of bone metastases. (3) Results: Several studies have evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative and qualitative SPECT-CT in differentiating between benign and metastatic bone lesions. We collected the sensitivity and specificity for both quantitative and qualitative SPECT-CT; their values ranged between 74-92% and 81-93% for quantitative bone SPECT-CT and between 60-100% and 41-100% for qualitative bone SPECT-CT. (4) Conclusions: Both qualitative and quantitative SPECT-CT present an increased potential for better differentiating between benign and metastatic bone lesions, with the latter offering additional objective information, thus increasing diagnostic accuracy and enabling the possibility of performing treatment response evaluation through accurate measurements.

Keywords: SPECT-CT; follow-up SPECT-CT; metastatic bone disease; qualitative imaging interpretation; quantitative analysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA representation of the process of the literature selection for this review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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