QUANTIFICATION OF ROTATIONAL TL-201 MYOCARDIAL TOMOGRAPHY

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (1) , 17-26
Abstract
A comprehensive method was described for quantification of the relative 3-dimensional distribution of 201Tl in the myocardium, following stress and subsequent washout. The method used maximal-count circumferential profiles of well-defined long- and short-axis tomograms to determine the 3-dimensional distribution of 201Tl; it then mapped this distribution onto a 2-dimensional polar representation. Abnormal Tl distribution or washout was identified by automatic computer comparison of each patient''s profile with the corresponding lower limits of normal profiles. Abnormality was expressed as a percentage of the entire myocardium by use of polar maps for extent and severity. The binary extent map stated whether a given location was normal or abnormal, and the severity map expressed the degree of abnormality. Preliminary criteria for abnormality were derived from the tomographic results of 25 normals and 28 patients with documented coronary artery disease [CAD]. The results were normal in 23 of 25 normals and were abnormal in 25 of 28 CAD patients. The computer output correctly localized the presence or absence of disease in 46 of 56 coronary circulations.