Consistent tracer administration profile improves test–retest repeatability of myocardial blood flow quantification with 82Rb dynamic PET imaging

Quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and stress/rest flow reserve is used increasingly to diagnose multi-vessel coronary artery disease and micro-vascular disease with PET imaging. However, variability in the measurements may limit physician confidence to direct revascularization therapies based on specific threshold values. This study evaluated the effects of rubidium-82 (82Rb) tracer injection profile using a constant-activity-rate (CA) vs a constant-flow-rate (CF) infusion to improve test–retest repeatability of MBF measurements. 22 participants underwent single-session 82Rb dynamic PET imaging during rest and dipyridamole stress using one of 2 test–retest infusion protocols: CA–CA (n = 12) or CA–CF (n = 10). MBF was quantified using a single-tissue-compartment model (1TCM) and a simplified retention model (SRM). Non-parametric test–retest repeatability coefficients (RPCnp) were compared between groups. Myocardium-to-blood contrast and signal-to-noise ratios of the late uptake images (2 to 6 minutes) were also compared to evaluate standard myocardial perfusion image (MPI) quality. MBF values in the CA–CA group were more repeatable (smaller RPCnp) than the CA–CF group using the 1TCM at rest alone, rest and stress combined, and stress/rest reserve (21% vs 36%, 16% vs 19%, and 20% vs 27%, P < 0.05, respectively), and using the SRM at Rest and Stress alone, Rest and Stress combined, and stress/rest reserve (21% vs 38%, 15% vs 25%, 22% vs 38%, and 23% vs 49%, P < 0.05, respectively). In terms of image quality, myocardium-to-blood contrast and signal-to-noise ratios were not significantly different between groups. Constant-activity-rate 'square-wave' infusion of 82Rb produces more repeatable tracer injection profiles and decreases the test–retest variability of MBF measurements, when compared to a constant-flow-rate 'bolus' administration of 82Rb, especially with SRM, and without compromising standard MPI quality.