Value of SiPM PET in myocardial perfusion imaging using Rubidium-82

Abstract

Background. PET scanners using silicon photomultipliers with digital readout (SiPM PET) have an improved temporal and spatial resolution compared to PET scanners using conventional photomultiplier tubes (PMT PET). However, the effect on image quality and visibility of perfusion defects in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is unknown. Our aim was to determine the value of a SiPM PET scanner in MPI. Methods. We prospectively included 30 patients who underwent rest and regadenosoninduced stress Rubidium-82 (Rb-82) MPI on the D690 PMT PET (GE Healthcare) and within three weeks on the Vereos SiPM PET (Philips Healthcare). Two expert readers scored the image quality and assessed the existence of possible defects. In addition, interpreter's confidence, myocardial blood flow (MBF), and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) values were compared. Results. Image quality improved (P = 0.03) using the Vereos as compared to the D690. Image quality of the Vereos and the D690 was graded fair in 20% and 10%, good in 60% and 50%, and excellent in 20% and 40%, respectively. Defect interpretation and interpreter's confidence did not differ between the D690 and the Vereos (P > 0.50). There were no significant differences in rest MBF (P ‡ 0.29), stress MBF (P ‡ 0.11), and MFR (P ‡ 0.51). Conclusion. SiPM PET provides an improved image quality in comparison with PMT PET. Defect interpretation, interpreter's confidence, and absolute blood flow measurements were comparable between both systems. SiPM PET is therefore a reliable technique for MPI using Rb-82.

Overview of the RGD-Based PET Agents Use in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

“…Interestingly, Dietz et al used a SiPM PET system (Biograph Vision 600, Siemens Medical Solutions, Knoxville, USA) in 16 out of 44 (36%) of the patients included for the analysis, which could partly explain the highest TBR measurements. SiPM PET is a new PET technology with improved spatial and timing resolution and a relatively high sensitivity and count-rate capability as compared to PET scanners using conventional photomultiplier tubes (34).…”

Comparison of the Prognostic Value of Global and Regional Myocardial Flow Capacity Radius, Myocardial Flow Reserve, and Stress Myocardial Blood Flow Using Rubidium-82 with SiPM PET/CT

“…Our study has notable strengths. We utilized state-of-the-art 82 Rb PET imaging, using the latest advances in SiPM PET technology, including a Time of Flight of 214 ps and smaller crystals with higher PET resolution, which greatly ameliorate the image quality as compared to conventional PET with photomultiplier tubes (11). We used standardized automated post processing protocols of the dynamic data including dual spillover, global partial-volume recovery and motion corrections, and resting ratepressure-product (RPP) adjustments (13,14).…”

“…Silicon photomultipliers with digital readout (SiPM) PET is a new PET technology with improved spatial and timing resolution and a relatively high sensitivity and count-rate capability as compared to PET scanners using conventional photomultiplier tubes (11). Rubidium-82 ( 82 Rb) is a widely clinically used PET perfusion tracer produced from a strontium-82 ( 82 Sr)/ 82 Rb generator.…”

Are we good enough in the evaluation of MPI using Rubidium82 with PMT PET/CT? A comparison to SiPM PET/CT

“…This hypothesis has been questioned in the present study by Koenders et al 9 The authors investigated the accuracy of digital SiPM (dSiPM) PET/CT as compared to the high-resolution photomultiplier tube (hrPMT) PET/CT in the evaluation of semi-quantitative as well as quantitative MPI. For this purpose, 30 patients underwent 2 sets of rest and regadenoson-induced stress Rubidium (Rb)-82 MPI, beginning with the hrPMT PET/CT followed by the dSiPM PET/CT within 3 weeks.…”