Evaluation of new data processing algorithms for planar gated ventriculography (MUGA)

Abstract

Before implementing one of two new LVEF radionuclide gated ventriculogram (MUGA) systems, the results from 312 consecutive parallel patient studies were evaluated. Each gamma-camera acquisition was simultaneously processed by semi-automatic Medasys Pinnacle and by fully automatic and semiautomatic Philips nuclear medicine computer systems. The Philips systems yielded LVEF results within ±5 LVEF percentage points of the Medasys system in fewer than half of the studies. The remaining values were higher or lower than those from the long-used Medasys system. These differences might have changed cancer patient chemotherapy clinical decisions. As a result, our institution elected not to implement either new system.