by
Lauren Dubinsky, Senior Reporter | August 31, 2016
Molecular Dynamics’ Valiance X12
whole-body CZT-based
digital SPECT/CT
Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT)-based digital SPECT provides better image resolution and contrast than traditional analog SPECT scans.
That was the takeaway from the first phase of a clinical trial evaluating Molecular Dynamics’ Valiance X12 whole-body CZT-based digital SPECT/CT prototype at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel.
The researchers used the Valiance X12 on 25 patients who previously underwent analog SPECT scans at the medical center’s department of nuclear medicine. Experienced readers then reviewed the Valiance X12 digital studies and compared them with the analog studies.
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The images were graded on a scale of one (poor) to four (very good) in terms of sharpness and contrast. The researchers found that the mean grades for the Valiance X12 digital images were superior to the analog images for both sharpness (3.8 vs. 3.1) and contrast (3.9 vs. 3.3).
In addition, when the digital SPECT was focused on a specific region of interest, it further increased both the sharpness and contrast of Valiance X12 images.
The system has CZT-based detectors with independent radial swivel motion, gantry rotation and adaptive image acquisition. It focuses the detectors on specific regions, which provides multiple angular views and enhances the images of the target region.
Molecular Dynamics is working on developing imaging accessories for quality control and patient data collection and verification. The kits will allow the users to detect and stage specific pathologies including lung cancer and liver cancer.
The researchers plan to assess other general nuclear medicine applications and focused imaging, which is unique to the Valiance X12. The results of this study along with additional findings will be presented at the upcoming European Association of Nuclear Medicine Annual Congress.
Wayne Webster
A change in differential diagnosis would make it better
September 01, 2016 10:40
This is the measure we need to consider this device better than analog SPECT. We all expect CZT digital detectors to provide a sharper image. If they didn't considering the expense of the device, why bother?
Several years ago when flat screen digital television was making its way to market, its claim was sharper image, vibrant colors and it was almost the same as being there. My children said we had to have it and we purchased a Sony to replace our analog CRT television. They were correct the picture was sharp, the colors popped, it was amazing. But there was a problem; we were still watching the same programming. No change in outcome.
Health care costs continue to increase and reimbursement and budgets aren't rising to meet the challenge. We must change the way we make buying decisions. If the picture is improved but there is no change in diagnosis or the application of therapy that results in better patient outcomes, why spend the money on a prettier picture?
In medical imaging an image and a picture are two very different things.
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