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Stress-only SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging: A review

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Journal of Nuclear Cardiology Aims and scope

Abstract

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has enjoyed considerable success for decades due to its diagnostic accuracy and wealth of prognostic data. Despite this success several limitations such as lengthy protocols and radiation exposure remain. Advancements to address these shortcomings include abbreviated stress-only MPI (SO MPI) protocols, PET and both hardware and software methods to reduce radiation exposure and time. SO MPI has advantages in protocol time and radiation reduction with a wealth of supporting data in terms of diagnostic validity and prognostic value. Newer technologies such as attenuation correction, and advanced camera technologies have enabled SO MPI to be more efficient in reducing the time of acquisition and radiation dose and improving accuracy. This review examines the literature available, regarding accuracy, patient outcomes, implementation strategies, and newer developments associated with SO MPI.

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Disclosures

Dr Gowd, Dr Heller and Dr Parker have contributed equally in preparing the manuscript and take full responsibility for the content. The manuscript has not been published or considered for publication elsewhere. There are no financial or other conflict of interest to disclose by any of the authors.

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Correspondence to B. M. Pampana Gowd MD, MRCP.

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Gowd, B.M.P., Heller, G.V. & Parker, M.W. Stress-only SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging: A review. J. Nucl. Cardiol. 21, 1200–1212 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-014-9944-y

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