An 82-year-old male presented with chest pain. He experienced an abnormal EKG at rest and greater than 1–2 mm ST depression during exercise stress. The patient was referred for a SPECT/CT scan for cardiac evaluation.

Findings and Diagnosis

The SPECT/CT images revealed an apical and anterior defect that is mostly reversible, and an inferior and inferior-septal defect that is significantly reversible. Attenuation correction images showed greater reversibility of the inferior defect. A post-stress left ventricular dilation also was noted.

More Information on the Scan

Symbia TruePoint SPECT/CT combines calcium scoring with myocardial perfusion SPECT. Risk stratification for cardiac events is made possible with the results of these two tests, performed on one integrated hybrid-imaging system. The CT scan also is used for attenuation correction of the SPECT data, further improving and streamlining the clinical workflow. This eliminates a second CT scan and reduces patient exposure to radiation.

James R. Corbett, MD, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor • Image captured via the Symbia TruePoint SPECT/CT from Siemens Medical Solutions (Malvern, Pa)