Technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography combined with prostate-specific antigen/free prostate-specific antigen ratio for bone metastasis of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer(PC)is one of the most common malignant tumors in men,and bone metastasis is one of its common complications,which seriously affects the quality of life and prognosis of patients.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate(99mTc-MDP)single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)/CT imaging combined with the serum prostate-specific antigen(PSA)/free PSA ratio for PC bone metastasis(PCBM).METHODS One hundred patients with PC who visited the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were recruited as the experimental(Exp)group,while 30 patients with benign prostatic lesions(BPLs)were recruited as the control(Ctrl)group.All patients underwent 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT imaging and serum PSA/fPSA testing.The SPECT/CT imaging results and serum PSA/fPSA ratios of patients were analyzed to evaluate their diagnostic values for PCBM.RESULTS The difference in general information of the patients was not obvious,showing comparability.The two methods showed no visible differences in negative predictive value and sensitivity for patients with PCBM,but had great differences in positive predictive value and specificity(P<0.05).The PSA/fPSA ratio of patients with PC in the Exp group was lower than those with BPLs,and patients with PCBM had a much lower PSA/fPSA ratio than those without PC(P<0.05).The results confirmed that the combined use of 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT imaging and serum PSA/fPSA ratio achieved a detection rate of 95%for PCBM.CONCLUSION The combination of 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT and PSA/fPSA ratio is accurate and reliable for the diagnosis of PCBM,which provides an important reference for clinical practice.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor detected by technetium-99m methoxy-2-isobutylisonitrile single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography:A case report

BACKGROUND Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)account for about 1%–2%of pancreatic tumors and about 8%of all NETs.Computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging,and endoscopic ultrasound are common imaging modalities for the diagnosis of pancreatic NETs.Furthermore,somatostatin receptor imaging is of great value for diagnosing pancreatic NETs.Herein,we report the efficacy of technetium-99m methoxy-2-isobutylisonitrile(99mTc-MIBI)single photon emission CT(SPECT)/CT for detecting pancreatic NETs.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 1-d history of persistent upper abdominal distending pain.The distending pain in the upper abdomen was aggravated after eating,with nausea and retching.Routine blood test results showed a high neutrophil percentage,low leukomonocyte and monocyte percentages,and low leukomonocyte and eosinophil counts.Amylase,liver and kidney function,and tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein,carcinoembryonic antigen,and cancer antigen(CA)125,CA72-4,CA19-9,and CA153 were normal.Abdominal CT showed a mass,with multiple calcifications between the pancreas and the spleen.The boundary between the mass and the pancreas and spleen was poorly defined.Contrast-enhanced CT revealed that the upper abdominal mass was unevenly and gradually enhanced.99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT revealed that a focal radioactive concentration,with mild radioactive concentration extending into the upper abdominal mass,was present at the pancreatic body and tail.The 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT manifestations were consistent with the final pathological diagnosis of pancreatic NET.CONCLUSION 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT appears to be a valuable tool for detecting pancreatic NETs.

Quantification of Tc-99m-ethyl cysteinate dimer brain single photon emission computed tomography images using statistical probabilistic brain atlas in depressive end-stage renal disease patients:Correlation with disease severity and symptom factors

This study adapted a statistical probabilistic anatomical map of the brain for single photon emission computed tomography images of depressive end-stage renal disease patients. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between symptom clusters, disease severity, and cerebral blood flow. Twenty-seven patients （16 males, 11 females） with stages 4 and 5 end-stage renal disease were enrolled, along with 25 healthy controls. All patients underwent depressive mood assessment and brain single photon emission computed tomography. The statistical probabilistic anatomical map images were used to calculate the brain single photon emission computed tomography counts. Asymmetric index was acquired and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between symptom factors, severity, and regional cerebral blood flow. The depression factors of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale showed a negative correlation with cerebral blood flow in the left amygdale. The insomnia factor showed negative correlations with cerebral blood flow in the left amygdala, right superior frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus. The anxiety factor showed a positive correlation with cerebral glucose metabolism in the cerebellar vermis and a negative correlation with cerebral glucose metabolism in the left globus pailidus, right inferior frontal gyrus, both temporal poles, and left parahippocampus. The overall depression severity （total scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale） was negatively correlated with the statistical probabilistic anatomical map results in the left amygdala and right inferior frontal gyrus. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the disease severity and extent of cerebral blood flow quantified by a probabilistic brain atlas was related to various brain areas in terms of the overall severity and symptom factors in end-stage renal disease patients.

Same day yttrium-90 radioembolization with single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography: An opportunity to improve care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has made it more challenging for patients to undergo yttrium-90(Y-90)radioembolization(RE).Same day Y-90 RE provides an opportunity to minimize logistical challenges and infection risk associated with COVID-19,thus improving patient access.AIM To describe the use of same day Y-90 RE with routine single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography(SPECT/CT)in order to optimize therapy.METHODS All patients were selected for Y-90 RE through a multidisciplinary tumor board,and were screened and tested for COVID-19 infection per institutional protocol.A same day procedure was developed,consisting of angiography,imaging,and Y-90 resin particle delivery.Routine SPECT/CT after technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin(Tc-99m MAA)administration was performed for assessment of arterial supply,personalized dosimetry,and extrahepatic activity.Post-treatment Y-90 bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT was performed for confirmation of particle delivery,by utilization of energy windowing to limit signal from previously administered Tc-99m MAA particles.RESULTS A total of 14 patients underwent same day Y-90 RE between March and June 2020.Mean lung shunt fraction was 6.13%(range 3.5%-13.1%).Y-90 RE was performed for a single lesion in 7 patients,while the remaining 7 patients had treatment of multifocal lesions.The largest lesion measured 8.3 cm.All patients tolerated the procedure well and were discharged the same day.CONCLUSION Same day Y-90 RE with resin-based microspheres is feasible,and provides an opportunity to mitigate infection risk and logistical challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.We recommend consideration of SPECT/CT,especially among patients with complex malignancies,for the potential to improve outcomes and eligibility of patients to undergo same day Y-90 RE.

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus treats Parkinson's disease through enhancing metabolic activity of the corpus striatum Verification by single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography

BACKGROUND： Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation （STN DBS） for Parkinson＇s disease （PD） has achieved good effects, but to date the mechanism of STN DBS remains poorly understood STN DBS may increase dopamine levels or metabolic activity of the corpus striatum. OBJECTIVE： To validate the effects of STN DBS on dopamine metabolism and glucose metabolism in the corpus striatum of hemiparkinsonian monkeys using single photon emission computed tomography （SPECT） and position emission tomography （PET）. DESIGN, TIME AND SET＇rING： A controlled animal study was performed at the Neurosurgery Laboratory, Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA between January 2004 and December 2007. METHODS： Hemiparkinsonism was induced in adult Rhesus Macaque monkeys, which exhibit similar characteristics of PD in humans, through unilateral internal carotid artery infusion of 1-methy-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyrindine. Following model establishment, stimulation electrodes were implanted in the right STN, and chronic high-frequency stimulation （60 μs pulse width, 130 Hz frequency, and 1.5-2.0 V pressure） was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The changes in dopamine transporter （DAT）, D2 receptor （D2R）, and glucose metabolism in the corpus striatum following STN DBS were observed using SPECT and PET. RESULTS： SPECT examination showed that DAT specific binding in the right corpus striatum was increased at 3 months after DBS compared with prior to stimulation, and D2R specific binding in the right corpus striatum gradually decreased near levels on the left （non-electrode-implanted） side within 3 months after DBS. PET examination showed that the glucose metabolism in the right corpus striatum was markedly increased at 3 months after effective DBS. Hemiparkinsonism monkeys showed improved left limb rigidity, increased activities, and stable gait under chronic high-frequency stimulation. CONCLUSION： STN DBS increased striatal DAT, decreased D2R, and enhanced glucose metabolism, suggesting that chronic, high-frequency STN stimulation enhanced the metabolic activity of the corpus striatum, a mechanism for improving the PD symptoms of hemiparkinsonian monkeys.

Positron emission computed tomography/single photon emission computed tomography in Parkinson disease

Parkinson disease(PD)is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder.Its main pathological mechanism is the selective degeneration and deletion of dopaminergic neurons in the dense part of the substantia nigra and the damage of dopaminergic neurons caused by the abnormal deposition of a Lewy body,leading to a decreased dopamine level.Positron emission computed tomography(PET)/single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)is a molecular imaging technology that can directly or indirectly reflect changes in molecular levels by using a specific tracer.With the research and development on the tracers of related enzymes for labeling dopamine transporter and dopamine receptor and for being involved in dopamine formation,this imaging technology has been applied to all aspects of PD research.It not only contributes to clinical work but also provides an important theoretical basis for exploring the pathological mechanism of PD at a molecular level.Therefore,this review discusses the application value of PET/SPECT in PD in terms of early diagnosis,disease severity evaluation,clinical manifestations,differential diagnosis,and pathological mechanism.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Electro-Acupuncture as A Treatment for Childhood Autism Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Objective：To explore the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture（EA）in the treatment of childhood autism（CA）and evaluate its effectiveness using single photon emission computed tomography（SPECT）.Methods：A total of 55 CA patients（4.52±2.73 years）were enrolled in this study.All patients received EA treatments and were examined by SPECT before and after treatments.Results：Following treatment,the intracerebral multiple focal radioactivity distribution defect areas of CA patients were observed to be partially filled.Specifically,significant differences in the ratios of regional cerebral blood flow and global cerebral blood flow before（Fb）and after（Fe）EA treatment in different lesions were observed（in the left prefrontal cortex,t=5.01,P〈0.01;in the right prefrontal cortex,t=2.32,P〈0.05;in the left temporal lobe,t=4.54,P〈0.01;in the right temporal lobe,t=2.90,P〈0.05;in the left Broca’s area,t=5.82,P〈0.01）.After EA treatment,the patients exhibited symptomatic relief.Conclusion：EA is useful to treat CA and SPECT can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with short T1 inversion recovery-echo planar imaging combined with dual-head coincidence single photon emission computed tomography for diagnosing solitary pulmonary nodule

Positron emission tomography （PET） using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose （FDG） has not been widely used in China for expensive cost （$1200）. Dual-head coincidence single photon emission computed tomography （DHC-SPECT） can depict many of the lesions depicted with a PET scanner in the lungs, which is used in place of PET-CT for discriminating malignant from benign pulmonary nodules in many studies. However, DHC-SPECT has inevitable false-negative results because the sensitivity for small lesions less than 2.0 cm is limited, and has high false-positive rate for active inflammatory nodules. Furthermore,DHC-SPECT also has a considerably higher cost （$300 in China） than other imaging examination.

Correlations of single photon emission computed tomography joints scan and bone metabolic markers in active rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To explore the correlation between quantitative value of joint bone scan by single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)and serum bone metabolic markers in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods Clinical data of 60 newly diagnosed RA patients were retrospectively collected in Department

Incidence of exclusive extrapelvic skeletal metastasis in prostate carcinoma on bone scintigraphy

BACKGROUND Bone is one of the common sites of metastasis from prostate carcinoma.Bone scintigraphy(BS)is one of the most sensitive imaging modalities currently used for bone metastatic work-up.Skeletal metastasis in prostate carcinoma commonly involves pelvic bones but rarely involves extrapelvic-extraspinal sites.AIM To retrospectively analyze the BS data to determine the pattern of skeletal metastases in the prostate carcinoma.METHODS This retrospective observational study involves patients with biopsy-proven prostate carcinoma referred for BS for staging assessment.Patients with abnormal BS were evaluated for the pattern of skeletal involvement and data were pre-sented in descriptive format in the form of percentages.RESULTS A total of 150 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer who were referred for staging were included in the study.Thirteen of 150 patients(8.67%)had no abnormal uptake on planar images,ruling out metastatic disease.Twenty-four patients(16%)had heterogeneous uptake in the spine with distribution charac-teristic of degenerative disease and no scan pattern of metastatic disease.Thirty patients(20%)had multifocal uptake involving both pelvic and extra pelvic bones on planar images typical for skeletal metastasis and were considered metastatic.Eighty-three out of 150 patients(55.3%)had increased tracer uptake,which was indeterminate,thus,single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography(SPECT-CT)was acquired,which showed 51 with metastatic disease,31 benign lesions,and one indeterminate finding.Seven of 150 patients had exclusive pelvic bone uptake,which was found to be metastatic in 4/7 patients in SPECT-CT.Fifty six out of 150 patients showed exclusive extrapelvic tracer uptake,of which only 3 had vertebral metastatic disease.None of the patients with increased uptake exclusively in the extrapelvic-extraspinal location was metastatic.CONCLUSION The incidence of exclusive extrapelvic skeletal metastatic disease in prostate carcinoma is 2%(excluding one patient with indeterminate findings).Further,none of the patients in the current study had exclusive extrapelvic-extraspinal metastasis.Thus,exclusive extrapelvic-extraspinal focal abnormality on planar BS carries a very low probability of metastatic disease and hence,further imaging or SPECT-CT can be safely avoided in such cases.

Investigating the role of^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT imaging in idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Objective:To investigate the role of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT in diagnosis and assessing severity of idiopathicParkinson's disease(PD).Methods:Thirty-eight patients with primary,tentative diagnosis of PD and eighteen age-matchednormal controls were studied with ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT imaging.The regions of interests(ROIs)were drawn manually oncerebellum(CB),occipital cortex(OC)and three transverse plane slice-views of striatums,the semiquantitative BG(back-ground)/[(OC+CB)/2]were then calculated.Results:A lower uptake of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 in striatums were displayed inthirty-six out of thirty-eight PD patients by visual inspection,compared to controls.In twenty-four PD cases with HYS(Hoehn andYahr scale)stage Ⅰ,a greater loss of DAT uptake was found in striatum and its subregions contralateral striatum to the affectedlimbs than in the same regions of the controls,although the striatal uptake was bilaterally reduced.Using Spearman correlationanalysis showed that the reduction of the uptake ratios significantly correlated with the UPDRS in striatum and all its subregions inthe PD group(P<0.05),a similar change was also found in the putamen by using the rating scale of Hoehn and Yahr (P<0.05).However,analysis of variance(ANOVA)did not show any relationship between the decreasing uptake of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 andincreasing severity of PD patients,although the specific uptake of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 was continuously decreased in the striatumby visual inspection with the progress of PD from HYS stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ.Conclusion:^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT imaging may serve asa useful method for improving the correct diagnosis of PD.In assessing the role of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT in disease severity ofPD,UPDRS can offer a comprehensive index,although the Hoehn and Yahr assessment may be available in part.

Regional cerebral blood flow imaging assessment of brain function reconstruction in elderly hemiplegia patients by body weight support treadmill training

The mechanism underlying body weight support treadmill training in elderly hemiplegic stroke patients is largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the changes of cortical blood flow in seven elderly patients with post-stroke hemiplegia before and after body weight support treadmill training by semi-quantitative analysis of regional cerebral blood flow assessed by single photon emission computed tomography. Body weight support treadmill training for 6 months was effective in improving cerebral blood flow and promoting the walking speed and balance recovery in elderly patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Nuclear medicine state-of-the-art imaging

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease,which is associated with systemic and chronic inflammation of the joints,resulting in synovitis and pannus formation.For several decades,the assessment of RA has been limited to conventional radiography,assisting in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease.Nevertheless,conventional radiography has poor sensitivity in the detection of the inflammatory process that happens in the initial stages of RA.In the past years,new drugs that significantly decrease the progression of RA have allowed a more efficient treatment.Nuclear Medicine provides functional assessment of physiological processes and therefore has significant potential for timely diagnosis and adequate follow-up of RA.Several single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)and positron emission tomography(PET)radiopharmaceuti-cals have been developed and applied in this field.The use of hybrid imaging,which permits computed tomography(CT)and nuclear medicine data to be acquired and fused,has increased even more the diagnostic accuracy of Nuclear Medicine by providing anatomical localization in SPECT/CT and PET/CT studies.More recently,fusion of PET with magnetic resonance imaging(PET/MRI)was introduced in some centers and demonstrated great potential.In this article,we will review studies that have been published using Nuclear Medicine for RA and examine key topics in the area.

Clinical evaluation of Technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion SPECT in diabetes with suspected coronary artery diseases

Objective:To study the clinical value of Technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) in diabetes with suspected coronary artery diseases.Methods:Seventy-eight diabetic patients complicated with cardiac symptoms or electrocardiogram(ECG) abnormalities and suspected coronary heart disease hospitalized in the department of endocrinology from January,2008 to December,2008 were investigated.Technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion SPECT was performed in all patients.Exercise stress test was done in 35 cases(group A).Adenosine stress test was done in 43 cases(group B).Results:The positive rates in the two groups were 54.29%(19/35) and 53.48%(23/43),respectively.There was no statistic difference between the 2 groups(P>0.05).The abnormality rates in male and female groups were 63.04% and 28.13%,respectively(P<0.01).Eighty-six segments of perfusion abnormality were detected in 38 positive patients.Four segments of fixed defect were found in 4 cases.Conclusion:As non-invasive method,myocardial perfusion SPECT can play an important role in the treatment of diabetes with suspected coronary artery disease.

Diagnostic value of18F-FDG PET in the assessment of myocardial viability in coronary artery disease：A comparative study with99mTc SPECT and echocar-diography

ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography （18F-FDG PET） in the as-sessment of myocardial viability in patients with known coronary artery disease （CAD） when compared to99mTc single photon emission computed tomography （SPECT） and echocardiography, with invasive coronary angiography as the gold standard.MethodsThirty patients with diagnosed CAD met the selection criteria, with 10 of them （9 men, mean age 59.5 ± 10.5 years） undergoing all of these imaging proce-dures consisting of SPECT and PET, echocardiography and invasive angiography. Diagnostic sensitivity of these less invasive modalities for detection of myocardial viability was compared to invasive coronary angiography. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was assessed for di-agnostic performance of SPECT and PET.ResultsOf all patients with proven CAD, 50% had triple vessel disease. Diagnostic sensitivity of SPECT, PET and echocardiography was 90%, 100% and 80% at patient-based assessment, respectively. Excellent agreement was achieved between inter-observer and intra-observer agreement of the diagnostic value of SPECT and PET in myocardial viability （k= 0.9）. Conclusion18F-FDG PET has high diagnostic value in the assessment of myocardial viability in patients with known CAD when com-pared to SPECT and echocardiography. Further studies based on a large cohort with incorporation of18F-FDG PET into patient management are warranted.

Prevalence of left ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure assessed by a novel programmer-cardioGRAF

Objectives Left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony is the most important determinant of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT）, playing a vital role to predict improvement of systolic function or LV reverse remodeling. CardioGRAF is a novel programmer based on the ECG gated single photon emission computed tomography （G-SPECT） imaging to detect LV systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony simultaneously. This study was to investigate the prevalence of systolic and diastolic left ventricular （LV） dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure. Methods We retrospectively studied 69 patients with heart disease, including 31 patients who had symptoms of heart failure （NYHA class Ⅱ-Ⅲ）, and 38 patients who had no symptoms of heart failure. （NYHA class Ⅰ）. G- SPECT data were analyzed by cardiaGRAF, and measurements included the time to end systole （TES）, the time to peak ejection （TPE）, the time to peak filling （TPF）, TES＋TPF and maximal difference （MD） of each parameters were obtained, using the 95th percentile of the control group as a cutoffof 150 ms for MD-TES, 139 ms for MD-TPE, 345 ms for MD-TPF and 315 ms for MD-TES＋TPF. Results The prevalence of LV systolic dyssynchrony was significantly higher in heart failure patients with reduced LV ejection fraction （LVEF）〈45% （72% for MD-TES; 64% for MD-TPE） compared with heart failure patients with preserved LVEF=45% （14% for both MD-TES and MD-TPE; P=0.002, P=0.005, respectively）; The prevalence of MD-TES〈150 ms was higher in NYHA class Ⅲ patients （64%） compared with NYHA class Ilpatients （27%, P=0.049）. However, the prevalence of the LV diastolic dyssynchrony were high but not difference between NYHA class III（47% for both MD-TPF and MD-TES＋TPF） and class Ⅲ（63% for MD-TPF; 69% for MD-TES＋TPF; P=NS） patients as well as between patients with preserved LVEF （43% for both MD-TPF and MD-TES＋TPF） and patients with reduced LVEF（64% for MD-TPF; 72% for MD-TES＋TPF; P=NS）. Conclusions The prevalence of LV systolic dyssynchrony was high in heart failure patients with reduced LVEF. Diastolic dyssynchrony was common in patients with heart failure. CardioGRAF maybe a useful method to detect LV dyssynchrony （J Gerlatr Cardio12009; 6：151-156）.

Effects of intravascular laser phototherapy on delayed neurological sequelae after carbon monoxide intoxication as evaluated by brain perfusion imaging:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Delayed neurological sequelae(DNS)caused by carbon monoxide(CO)intoxication poses considerable treatment challenges for clinical practitioners.In this report,we used nuclear medicine imaging and the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)to evaluate the effectiveness of intravascular laser irradiation of blood(ILIB)therapy for the management of DNS.CASE SUMMARY A 51-year-old woman presented to our medical center experiencing progressive bradykinesia,rigidity of limbs,gait disturbance,and cognitive impairment.Based on her neurological deficits,laboratory tests and imaging findings,the patient was diagnosed with delayed neurological sequelae of CO intoxication.She received intensive rehabilitation and ILIB therapy during 30 sessions over 2 mo after diagnosis.Brain single-photon emission computed tomography was performed both prior to and after ILIB therapy.The original hypoperfusion area in bilateral striata,bilateral frontal lobe,right parietal lobe,and bilateral cerebellum showed considerable improvement after completion of therapy.The patient’s MMSE score also increased markedly from 6/30 to 25/30.Symptoms of DNS became barely detectable,and the woman was able to carry out her daily living activities independently.CONCLUSION ILIB therapy could facilitate recovery from delayed neurological sequelae in patients with CO intoxication,as demonstrated by improved cerebral blood flow and functional outcomes in our patient.

Reports of one case of double parathyroid adenomas and one case of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma

It is difficult to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism because of its variable symptoms and limited understanding of doctors.We reported one case of double parathyroid adenomas and one case of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma.Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone(PTH) was screened.99mTc sestamibi scintigraphy single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) had been taken to find the parathyroid adenoma.Combined with ultrasonography or CT,we localized parathyroid adenomas precisely.After the operation,both patients developed hypocalcaemia,they were treated medically,and followed up.

Therapeutic Effects of Tongxinluo Capsule(通心络胶囊) on Patients with Acute Small Oerebral Infarction and Its Influence on SPECT Brain Periusion Image

Objective: To investigate the influence of Tongxinluo capsule (TXL,通心络胶囊) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with 99mTc-ECD single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain perfusion imaging, and to observe the therapeutic effects of TXL on acute small cerebral infarction (ASCI). Methods: Thirty-four patients with ASCI were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 17) was treated with the conventional treatment, i.e. 1. Og of Citicoline added into 300 ml normal saline for intravenous dripping daily for 2 weeks and 0. 8 g of Piracetam taken three times a day orally for 4 weeks, and the treatment group (n = 17) was treated additionally with 4 TXL capsules three times a day for 4 weeks besides the conventional treatment. The 99mTc-ECD SPECT brain perfusion imaging was performed before and after treatment to observe the change of rCBF, and the neurological deficit was evaluated by Edinburgh-Scandinavia stroke scale (SSS) scores and Barthel index (Bl) at the same time. Results: After treatment, the rCBF in the treatment group was significantly improved (P<0. 01), while that in the control group remained unchanged, with the comparison of the rCBF in the two groups after treatment showing significant difference (P<0.01). In addition, the SSS score was significantly lower and Bl significantly higher in the treatment group than those in the control group respectively after treatment. Conclusion: TXL could effectively improve rCBF and lessen the neurological deficit symptoms in patients with ASCI.

Molecular imaging of plaques in coronary arteries with PET and SPECT

Coronary artery disease remains a major cause of mortality. Presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary artery is responsible for lu-men stenosis which is often used as an indicator for determining the severity of coronary artery disease. However, the degree of coronary lumen stenosis is not often related to compromising myocardial blood flow, as most of the cardiac events that are caused by atherosclerotic plaques are the result of vulnerable plaques which are prone to rupture. Thus, identification of vulnerable plaques in coronary arteries has become increas-ingly important to assist identify patients with high cardiovascular risks. Molecular imaging with use of positron emission tomography （PET） and single photon emission computed tomography （SPECT） has fulfilled this goal by providing functional information about plaque activity which enables accurate assessment of plaque stability. This review article provides an overview of diagnostic applications of molecular imaging tech-niques in the detection of plaques in coronary arteries with PET and SPECT. New radiopharmaceuticals used in the molecular imaging of coro-nary plaques and diagnostic applications of integrated PET/CT and PET/MRI in coronary plaques are also discussed.