2009). SPECT identifies the physiologic consequence of the clot rather than the clot itself. Adding low-dose CT without contract agent raises the level of confidence in the reading result. At the same time, it reduces inconclusive studies with SPECT alone from 5% to 0% when combined with low-dose CT. Furthermore, specificity improves with fewer false-positive readings from 18% - 0%. Low-dose findings explaining subtle perfusion defects otherwise perceived as PE on SPECT alone account for the improvement. The study also showed that V/Q SPECT with low-dose CT is useful as a routine method. Immobilization during the SPECT and low-dose CT procedure lasted only 20 minutes. Even critically ill patients can tolerate it. The 11 out of the overall total of 196 volunteer patients were disqualified for participation in the study because of discomfort, shortness of breath or lack of willingness to remain in supine position. Those who qualified were placed...
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