Use of rotating (cine) planar projection images in the interpretation of a tomographic myocardial perfusion study

The use of the rotating projection data is strongly encouraged. It is recommended that the planar image cine of all SPECT perfusion studies be reviewed on two occasions—once by the nuclear technologist immediately after the image acquisition for issues related to technical quality (ie, patient motion or excessive subdiaphragmatic activity) and again by the physician during the interpretive session1. Use of rotating projection data should increase recognition of potential artifacts and thus optimize test specificity. Therefore the number of falsepositive SPECT study results will be minimized, potentially reducing hospital costs and patient morbidity. Additionally, important noncardiac processes can be identified, providing further diagnostic information.