Purpose: There are conflicting results from studies on whether the ventilation (V) scintigraphy can be safely omitted or replaced by a chest x-ray. These studies were based on planar ventilation perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy. We evaluated the value of the V single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) on the final conclusion drawn from a V/Q SPECT and the possible role of the chest x-ray as a surrogate for the V SPECT. Methods Raw data of V/Q SPECT images and chest x-ray acquired within 48 hours over 18 months period were retrieved, reprocessed and reviewed in batches. The V SPECT, Q SPECT and chest x-ray were reviewed separately and in combination. Data on the presence and character of defects and chest x-ray abnormalities were recorded. The V/Q SPECT images were interpreted using the criteria in the EANM guideline and the Q SPECT and chest x-ray images were interpreted using the PISAPED criteria. Agreement between the diagnosis on the V/Q SPECT review and the Q SPECT and chest x-ray review was analysed. Results 21.1% of the patients were classified as 'PE present’ on the V/Q SPECT review whereas 48.9% were classified as 'PE present’ on the Q SPECT and chest x-ray review. Only 5.4% of defects seen on V SPECT had matched chest x-ray lung field opacity. Conclusion Our study showed that the omission of a V SPECT led to a high rate of false positive diagnoses and that the ventilation scan cannot be replaced by a chest x-ray.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uct/oai:localhost:11427/29578 |
| Date | 18 February 2019 |
| Creators | Abubakar, Sofiullah |
| Contributors | Kotze, Tessa, Mann, Mike D |
| Publisher | University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Radiation Medicine |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Master Thesis, Masters, MMed |
| Format | application/pdf |
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