Prognostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging in Iranian patients using total perfusion deficits: Comparison with semi-quantitative assessment

Introduction: Considering that quantitative methods are usually more reproducible with lower inter-observer variability, the purpose of this research was to compare the prognostic value of the two quantitative method with quantitative perfusion SPECT (QPS) software. Methods: This study was performed prospectively and included 200 participants who were referred for myocardial perfusion imaging. These participants were selected by the convenience sampling method. All patients were followed up after one year. Patients were classified as those with and without major cardiac events, including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, open-heart surgery, abnormal angiographic findings, and unstable angina. Results: There were 62 male (31.0%) and 138 female (69.0%) patients, ranging in age from 30 to 86 years. The results indicated that the major cardiac events were significantly higher in moderate and severe categories based on summed stress score (SSS) (P=0.024) and total perfusion deficit (TPDs) (P=0.002) scores. SSS score with TPDs score (P = 0.764), summed rest score (SRS) with TPDr score (P = 0.583) and SDS with Delta TPD (P = 0.118) were compatible for predicting major heart events within a year. Conclusion: Total perfusion deficits obtained from QPS software is a useful method for predicting major cardiac events in patients with suspected cardiovascular disease (CVD). Predictive ability of TPD was similar to that of the semi-quantitative method with an expert interpreter's help. Moreover, this method can be helpful for CAD diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of patients.

Automated summary

This study compared the prognostic value of two quantitative methods with quantitative perfusion SPECT (QPS) software. The results showed that total perfusion deficits obtained from QPS software is a useful method for predicting major cardiac events in patients with suspected cardiovascular disease (CVD).