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Does quantification of myocardial flow reserve using rubidium-82 positron emission tomography facilitate detection of multivessel coronary artery disease?

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Journal of Nuclear Cardiology Aims and scope

Abstract

Background

Relative myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is the standard imaging approach for the diagnosis and prognostic work-up of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, this technique may underestimate the extent of disease in patients with 3-vessel CAD. Positron emission tomography (PET) is also able to quantify myocardial blood flow. Rubidium-82 (82Rb) is a valid PET tracer alternative in centers that lack a cyclotron. The aim of this study was to assess whether assessment of myocardial flow reserve (MFR) measured with 82Rb PET is an independent predictor of severe obstructive 3-vessel CAD.

Methods

We enrolled a cohort of 120 consecutive patients referred to a dipyridamole 82Rb PET MPI for evaluation of ischemia neither with prior coronary artery bypass graft nor with recent percutaneous coronary intervention that also underwent coronary angiogram within 6 months of the PET study. Patients with and without 3-vessel CAD were compared.

Results

Among patients with severe 3-vessel CAD, MFR was globally reduced (<2) in 88% (22/25). On the adjusted logistic Cox model, MFR was an independent predictor of 3-vessel CAD [.5 unit decrease, HR: 2.1, 95% CI (1.2-3.8); P = .015]. The incremental value of 82Rb MFR over the SSS was also shown by comparing the adjusted SSS models with and without 82Rb MFR (P = .005).

Conclusion

82Rb MFR is an independent predictor of 3-vessel CAD and provided added value to relative MPI. Clinical integration of this approach should be considered to enhance detection and risk assessment of patients with known or suspected CAD.

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Acknowledgments

RSBB is a Career Investigator supported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario (HSFO). MCZ was a Research Fellow supported by University of Ottawa International Fellowship Award and, the Molecular Function and Imaging Program (HSFO Grant # PRG6242). BC is supported by a CIHR New Investigator Award #MSH-83718. The authors thank the staff in the PET unit for their dedication to patient care and research.

Conflict of interest

RdK, JR, and RK receive revenue shares from the sale of FlowQuant, the analysis software used in the study. RB, RdK, and RK are consultants with DraxImage. RB and RdK have received grant funding from a government/industry program (partners: GEHealthcare and MDSNordion). TDR received grant support and honoraria from GE Healthcare and MDS Nordion. RB is a consultant with Lantheus Medical Imaging. Benjamin Chow receives research support from GE Healthcare, Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca, fellowship training support from GE Healthcare and educational support from TeraRecon Inc.

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Author notes

  1. Maria C. Ziadi MD

    Present address: Oroño Medical Diagnostic Center, 1515 Oroño Boulevard, S2000DTC, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, National Cardiac PET Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada

    Maria C. Ziadi MD, Robert A. deKemp PhD, Ann Guo MEng, Jennifer M. Renaud MSc, Benjamin J. W. Chow MD, FRCPC, Ran Klein PhD, FACC, Terrence D. Ruddy MD, FRCPC, FACC, May Aung CNMT, Linda Garrard RN, BScN & Rob S. B. Beanlands MD, FACC, FRCPC

  2. Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada

    Maria C. Ziadi MD, Robert A. deKemp PhD, Kathryn Williams MS, Ann Guo MEng, Jennifer M. Renaud MSc, Benjamin J. W. Chow MD, FRCPC, Ran Klein PhD, FACC, Terrence D. Ruddy MD, FRCPC, FACC, May Aung CNMT, Linda Garrard RN, BScN & Rob S. B. Beanlands MD, FACC, FRCPC

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  1. Maria C. Ziadi MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria C. Ziadi MD.

Additional information

See related editorial, doi:10.1007/s12350-012-9530-0.

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Ziadi, M.C., deKemp, R.A., Williams, K. et al. Does quantification of myocardial flow reserve using rubidium-82 positron emission tomography facilitate detection of multivessel coronary artery disease?. J. Nucl. Cardiol. 19, 670–680 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-011-9506-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-011-9506-5

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