Diagnostic use of neuro-spect quantified with 99mTc-ECD: A model based on normal data

Uso de neuro spect quantificado com ⁹⁹ mTc-ECD: um modelo baseado em dados normais

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The purpose of the present study was to prospectively quantify the normal limits of brain perfusion using specific software in a group of asymptomatic young volunteers submitted to single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) with ^99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer ^(99mTc-ECD).

Methods:

We used 15 MBq/kg of intravenous ^99mTc-ECD in 30 healthy volunteers submitted to brief neuropsychological tests and a clinical questionnaire. These data were normalized relative to the cerebellum (Group 1) and to the brain cortex (Group 2). Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test. The average radioactivity was 6.5 million counts/study.

Results:

The normalized (Group I) revealed an average value of 78.03%, with standard deviation (SD) of 4.07. Two volunteers in this group had slightly greater than two standard deviations from the mean. When we used (Group II), the average value was 71.01%, with a SD of 4.66. We observed a difference between groups of 9% (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

The present study suggests normal cortical perfusional values for a group of young asymptomatic volunteers, utilizing ^99mTc-ECD. This allows further quantification of neuro-SPECT data, specifically comparisons across patient populations. Furthermore, this method represents a new tool that can be used to further explore the field of neuroimaging, particularly neuropsychiatry.

Key words:
SPECT; radiopharmaceutical; database; anatomical and functional normalization.

RESUMO

Objetivo:

O objetivo do presente estudo foi quantificar prospectivamente os limites normais de perfusão cerebral utilizando software específico em um grupo de jovens voluntários assintomáticos submetidos a tomografia por emissão de fóton único (SPECT) com ^99mTc-etil cisteinato dímero ^(99mTc-ECD).

Métodos:

Foram utilizados 15 MBq/kg intravenoso de ^99mTc-ECD em 30 voluntários sadios submetidos a uma bateria breve de testes neuropsicológicos e questionário clínico. Estes dados foram normalizados para o cerebelo (Grupo 1) e no córtex cerebral (Grupo 2). A análise estatística foi obtida através do teste T de Student. A atividade média foi de 6,5 milhões de contagens/estudo.

Resultados:

A normalização (Grupo I) revelou um valor médio de 78,03%, com um desvio-padrão (DP) de 4,07. Dois voluntários neste grupo tiveram valores ligeiramente maiores do que dois desvios padrões da média. Quando utilizado (Grupo II), o valor médio foi de 71,01%, com um desvio padrão de 4,66. Observou-se uma diferença entre grupos de 9% (P<0,001).

Conclusão:

O presente estudo sugere valores corticais perfusionais normais para um grupo de jovens voluntários assintomáticos, utilizando ^99mTc-ECD. Isto permite ainda a quantificação dos dados de neuro-SPECT, especificamente a comparação entre populações de pacientes. Além disso, este método apresenta uma nova ferramenta que pode ser usada para explorar ainda mais o campo da neuroimagem, particularmente em neuropsiquiatria.

Palavras-chave:
SPECT; radiofármaco; base de dados; normalização anatômica e funcional.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Dec 2013

History

• Received
  27 Aug 2013
• Accepted
  03 Nov 2013