Effects of patient motion during myocardial perfusion SPECT on linogram and sinogram by two iterative and FBP reconstruction methods

Abstract

Patient motion during myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) produces images with artifactual defects. We studied the pattern and extent induced by simulated motion using different kinds of reconstruction methods. Methods: Movements were applied to raw projections with control images and were assessed by a panel of consultants. The motions were applied in 1–3 pixels, in X and Y planes, plus and minus directions in early, middle and late phases of imaging, in non-returning and returning patterns. The simulated images were reconstructed using OSEM and FBP methods. Myoquant Software interpreted all images visually and quantitatively. Using simulated motions, 288 different states were studied plus 2 original images. From 144 images in each method of reconstruction, 64 and 32 images were categorized as definitely abnormal (P<0.001). These were 51 and 45 images in±direction of motion (P=0.602) and 54 and 45 images in X and Y directions (P=0.340). The summed stress score (SSS) was 5.25 and 8.25 using FBP and OSEM (P=0.001), 6.90 and 6.60 in the±direction (P=0.727), and 5.98 and 7.52 in the X and Y directions of motion (P=0.07). OSEM has more profound effect on motion artifacts and this kind of reconstruction should not be used when patient motion is suspected.