New methods for improving myocardial perfusion imaging developed

A new study from Finland has uncovered new methods for enhancing the quality of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), an important tool in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Carried out by the University of Eastern Finland, the research led to the creation of a new means of reducing the imaging time by up to 50 percent. This was achieved by using collimator response compensation and by performing stress/rest MPI scans simultaneously using different radionuclides.

Additionally, the study developed and tested two motion correction methods that can help account for the fact that patients often become restless and move around during the process, making it easier to generate accurate results.

The computational methods validated and optimised in the study have now been integrated into a commercial MPI image reconstruction package, for use in hospitals in Finland and across the world.

This will make it easier than ever for clinicians to use MPI scans to diagnose coronary artery disease and determine its severity, while ensuring the process is less time-consuming and stressful for patients.

Currently, the condition – also known as coronary heart disease – is the leading cause of death both in the UK and worldwide, with around one in five men and one in eight women dying from the disease.