Evaluation of a New Protocol for Two-isotope ¹²³I-BMIPP/^99mTc-TF Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) to Detect Myocardial Damage within One Hour

Abstract

Objective
The present study aimed at establishing a new protocol using both ^99mTc-Tetrofosmin (TF) and ¹²³I-BMIPP SPECT to detect myocardial damage within one hour.
Methods
Initial ¹²³I-BMIPP SPECT was immediately followed by ^99mTc-TF SPECT. The influence of ¹²³I scattered rays on ^99mTc energy windows set at 15% and 10% were measured using an RH-2 phantom. Participants in the study were patients with heart diseases who had provided written informed consent to undergo the new protocol. The patients maintained the MONZEN position throughout the procedure and an injection syringe was attached to the left arm for ^99mTc-TF injection during¹²³I-BMIPP SPECT.
Results & Discussion
The phantom study showed only slight ¹²³I contamination of ^99mTc at the 10% window setting. The new method separated the ¹²³I and ^99mTc energy windows well and neither crosstalk nor scatter correction were needed. Images obtained from dual (simultaneous) acquisition were contaminated, whereas contamination and influence of scattered rays were absent in images obtained by use of the new protocol. These images were thus useful for clinical diagnosis.
Conclusion
The new protocol is more convenient for patients and might improve the efficiency of detecting myocardial damage.