The role of deep learning in myocardial perfusion imaging for diagnosis and prognosis: A systematic review.

The development of state-of-the-art algorithms for computer visualization has led to a growing interest in applying deep learning (DL) techniques to the field of medical imaging. DL-based algorithms have been extensively utilized in various aspects of cardiovascular imaging, and one notable area of focus is single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), which is regarded as the gold standard for non-invasive diagnosis of myocardial ischemia. However, due to the complex decision-making process of DL based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), the explainability of DL results has become a significant area of research, particularly in the field of medical imaging.

Long-axial field-of-view PET/CT improves radiomics feature reliability.

Purpose: To assess the influence of long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT systems on radiomics feature reliability, to assess the suitability for short-duration or low-activity acquisitions for textural feature analysis and to investigate the influence of acceptance angle.

Methods: 34 patients were analysed: twelve patients underwent oncological 2-[18F]-FDG PET/CT, fourteen [18F]PSMA-1007 and eight [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC. Data were obtained using a 106 cm LAFOV system for 10 min.

Diagnostic utility of coronary artery calcium score percentiles and categories to exclude abnormal scans and relevant ischemia in rubidium positron emission tomography.

Background: Despite clinical suspicion, most non-invasive ischemia tests for coronary artery disease (CAD) reveal unremarkable results. Patients with a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) of zero rarely have an abnormal positron emission tomography (PET) and could be deferred from further testing. However, most patients have some extent of coronary calcification.

The impact of different reconstruction parameters on quantitative Tc-DPD SPECT/CT values in the assessment of cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis.

Aim: To assess in a phantom and in a clinical study the influence of different reconstruction parameters on quantitative SPECT/CT values in the assessment of cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR-CA).

Method: A hybrid SPECT/CT camera with a proprietary software for SPECT/CT-based quantification of myocardial uptake of Tc-DPD was used. Images were reconstructed with 6 different protocols, differing in iterations, subset and Gaussian filter.

Prognostic Value of [Tc]Tc-DPD Quantitative SPECT/CT in Patients with Suspected and Confirmed Amyloid Transthyretin-Related Cardiomyopathy and Preserved Left Ventricular Function.

Quantitative Tc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid ([Tc]Tc-DPD) SPECT may be used for risk-stratifying patients with amyloid transthyretin-related cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). We aimed to analyze the predictive value of quantitative [Tc]Tc-DPD SPECT/CT in suspected and confirmed ATTR-CM according to different disease stages. The study enrolled consecutive patients with suspected ATTR-CM who were referred to a single tertiary center and underwent quantitative [Tc]Tc-DPD SPECT/CT allowing SUV and SUV analysis.

Combining anatomical and biochemical markers in the detection and risk stratification of coronary artery disease.

Aims: We aimed to test the hypothesis if combining coronary artery calcium score (Ca-score) as a quantitative anatomical marker of coronary atherosclerosis with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin as a quantitative biochemical marker of myocardial injury provided incremental value in the detection of functionally relevant coronary artery disease (fCAD) and risk stratification.

Methods And Results: Consecutive patients undergoing myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) without prior CAD were enrolled. The diagnosis of fCAD was based on the presence of ischaemia on MPS and coronary angiography; fCAD was centrally adjudicated in the diagnostic and prognostic domain.

Internal dosimetry study of [Rb]Cl using a long axial field-of-view PET/CT.

Purpose: Long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) positron emission tomography (PET) systems allow to image all major organs with one bed position, which is particularly useful for acquiring whole-body dynamic data using short-lived radioisotopes like Rb.

Methods: We determined the absorbed dose in target organs of three subjects (29, 40, and 57 years old) using two different methods, i.e.

FDG imaging with long-axial field-of-view PET/CT in patients with high blood glucose-a matched pair analysis.

Purpose: High blood glucose (hBG) in patients undergoing [F]FDG PET/CT scans often results in rescheduling the examination, which may lead to clinical delay for the patient and decrease productivity for the department. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT can minimize the effect of altered bio-distribution in hBG patients and is able to provide diagnostic image quality in hBG situations.

Materials And Methods: Oncologic patients with elevated blood glucose (≥ 8.

The clinical acceptability of short versus long duration acquisitions for head and neck cancer using long-axial field-of-view PET/CT: a retrospective evaluation.

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of long duration (10 min) acquisitions compared to standard 4 min scans in the evaluation of head and neck cancer (HNC) using a long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) system in 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT.

Methods: HNC patients undergoing LAFOV PET/CT were included retrospectively according to a predefined sample size calculation. For each acquisition, FDG avid lymph nodes (LN) which were highly probable or equivocal for malignancy were identified by two board certified nuclear medicine physicians in consensus.

Artificial intelligence to improve ischemia prediction in Rubidium Positron Emission Tomography-a validation study.

Background: Patients are referred to functional coronary artery disease (CAD) testing based on their pre-test probability (PTP) to search for myocardial ischemia. The recommended prediction tools incorporate three variables (symptoms, age, sex) and are easy to use, but have a limited diagnostic accuracy. Hence, a substantial proportion of non-invasive functional tests reveal no myocardial ischemia, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure and costs.

Routine 4D Cardiac CT to Identify Concomitant Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy in Older Adults with Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Background Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) often coexists with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Although strain analysis from cardiac MRI and echocardiography was demonstrated to predict coexisting ATTR-CM, comparable data from four-dimensional (4D) cardiac CT are lacking despite wide availability. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 4D cardiac CT-derived parameters in identifying ATTR-CM in older adults considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

What Role Does PET/MRI Play in Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Musculoskeletal disorders of nononcological origin are one of the most frequent reasons for consultation. Patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders also consult more than once for the same reason. This results in multiple clinical follow-ups after several radiological and serum examinations, the main ones including X-rays targeting the painful anatomical region and inflammatory serum parameters.

Long-axial field-of-view PET/CT for the assessment of inflammation in calcified coronary artery plaques with [ Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC.

Purpose: Inflamed, prone-to-rupture coronary plaques are an important cause of myocardial infarction and their early identification is crucial. Atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by overexpression of the type-2 somatostatin receptor (SST) in activated macrophages. SST ligand imaging (e.