We have done over 4500 V/P SPECT studies using Technegas, with a non-diagnostic finding of only about 1%. Interpretation of SPECT images has greatly improved our sensitivity and specificity while quantification of ventilation and perfusion changes to validate the extension of PE, has impacted on the therapy choice for patients in our hospital.

Dr. Marika Bajc, Dept of Nuklear Medicine

University Hospital Lund, Schweden

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I have been impressed with the accuracy of V/Q SPECT using Technegas.

It has permitted us to abandon probabilistic interpretations.

Before we switched to V/Q SPECT, CTPA was on the rise in our institution.

Now, demands for CTPA have fallen and we have more than 80% of the embolism diagnostic business.

Dr. Michel Leblanc, Dept of Nuklear Medicine

Centre de Hospitaliers de University de Sherbrooke, Canada

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Planar	SPECT	M/S CTPA
Sensitivity	76%	97%	86%
Specitificity	85%	91%	98%
Accuracy	81%	94%	93%

Dr. med. Patrick Reinartz, Aachen, JNM 2004

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...Conclusion

 

When available, V/PSPECT offers considerable advantages

over other imaging techniques for diagnosis of PE.

• V/PSPECT has high sensitivity, specificity and negative

predictive value for PE diagnosis.

• V/PSPECT has lower and predictable radiation burden.
• V/PSPECT can be performed in practically all patients.
• V/PSPECT is more suitable for follow-up of PE and for

research.

 

V/PSPECT with holistic interpretation deserves the to be

considered the first diagnostic method for PE. According to

good clinical practice, it is a responsibility of nuclear

medicine to apply the best diagnostic techniques, which for

PE diagnosis is V/PSPECT. However, MDCT is more readily

available. Accordingly, diagnostic algorithms should be

based upon both V/PSPECT and MDCT. ...

(M.Bajc, Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging (2009) 36:875-878)