The Impotance of SPECT/CT in Simultaneous Assessment of Calcinosis of Coronary Arteries, Perfusion and Contractile Function of the Myocardium among Females with Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

Purpose: To study the frequency of calcinosis of coronary arteries and its effect on myocardial perfusion and contractile function among females with coronary heart disease (CHD). Material and methods: A survey was conducted among 141 females with coronary heart disease (CHD): simultaneous assessment of coronary artery calcinosis, perfusion and contractile function with 99m Tc-technetril SPECT/CT with ECG-synchronization and X-ray radiation correction, as well as comparison of data with the results of electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ECHO-CG), clinical and biochemical blood tests. Results: Coronary artery calcinosis was detected in 33 (23 %) females with coronary heart disease (CHD) out of all patients identified: over the age of 55 years (M = 67 years with variations from 58 to 83 years) ‒ in 25 (17.7 %), aged 41‒55 years (M = 50 years with variations from 46 to 54 years) ‒ in 7 (4.6 %), at the age of 25‒40 years ‒ in one female 35 years (0.7 %). The Agatston calcium score interval was set as follows: at the maximum degree > 400 ‒ for 6 females (4.2 % of all surveyed); at 101‒400 ‒ in 9 (6.4 %); at 11‒100 ‒ in 17 (12.0 %); at 1‒10 ‒ in one female (0.7 %); with a minimum degree of 0 ‒ in 108 females (76.7 % of all surveyed). In the presence of maximum degree of calcinosis (> 400 units), a slight significant decrease in perfusion, an increase in ejection fraction and diastole duration was revealed. Conclusion: The use of combined SPECT/CT with ECG synchronization and CT radiation correction technology in 141 females with coronary artery disease made it possible to identify coronary artery calcinosis in 23 % of patiets.