Does Three-Dimensional Display of SPECT Data Improve the Accuracy of Technetium-99m DMSA Imaging of the Kidneys?

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if volume-rendered three-dimensional displays could improve the accuracy of reporting renal cortical scars in patients imaged with ^99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA).

Methods: We compared volume-rendered three-dimensional displays of SPECT data for 20 patients, with a total of 37 kidneys, with SPECT data displayed as transaxial, coronal and sagittal slices as well as planar images. All patients were imaged 2–3 hr after administration of a standard dose of 2 mCi (74 MBq) of ^99mTc DMSA and the results were reported using two readings of the images 14 days apart.

Results: SPECT imaging displayed as transaxial, coronal and sagittal views improved the number of scars found by 21%. This was increased to 30% when a three-dimensional display was used. Also the use of a three-dimensional display allowed normal variants such as surface folds and hepatic impressions to be more easily identified.

Conclusion: Volume-rendered three-dimensional display of ^99mTc DMSA SPECT data increases the number of defects reported as renal cortical scars. Further work is needed to determine if this improvement is clinically relevant.