gated myocardial perfusion SPECT in Australia

Introduction: Despite guidelines provided by the SNM and the ASNC, there is no universally accepted consensus on acquisition and processing protocols for gated myocardial perfusion SPECT. Anecdotal evidence suggests there is significant variability in both acquisition and processing parameters throughout Australian departments. Methodology: This study was a self administered questionnaire of current acquisition and processing parameters utilised for gated myocardial perfusion SPECT across Australia. The sampling frame comprised 136 Nuclear Medicine departments across Australia including all departments accredited by the ANZSNM. Results: With respect to the guidelines for performing gated myocardial perfusion SPECT outlined by the ASNC, only 4.4% (4/90) of Australian departments comply with minimum standards. The magnitude of this result, in a large part, is due to the high proportion of departments that do not gate both the rest and stress studies (68.9%). Exclusion of this parameter still means that just 13.3% (12/90) of Australian departments comply with minimum standards. Conclusion: While the principle of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT is without debate there is a requirement for investigation and guidelines for optimisation of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT protocols. There is a need for further investigation of the actual impact of discordance with current guidelines on the diagnostic utility of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT.