Imaging protocols in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy

Abstract

Imaging protocols for stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are subject to huge variation in clinical practice primarily due to a tendency to customise protocols. The components of imaging protocols for MPI include the stress procedure; choice of radiopharmaceuticals; mechanism of data acquisition; and data analysis for reporting. Finally, the logistics of patient attendance, such as inability to attend on two separate days, and the logistics of the department, whereby slots for MPI need to fit in with the overall nuclear medicine service, also need to be taken into account. However, protocol parameters other than those listed may be preferred at other institutions and research into corrections for attenuation, scatter and newer cameras may result in forming new protocols in the future. Although each of these components is distinct and has a clear identifiable role, the choice of a particular component frequently influences the other components, and a multidisciplinary team in each nuclear medicine department should ideally review the completely customised protocol (Table 21.1). © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.