68Ga PET/CT ventilation-perfusion imaging for pulmonary embolism: A pilot study with comparison to conventional scintigraphy

Abstract

Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy is established for regional assessment of lung function in a variety of diseases, including pulmonary embolism (PE). PET/CT may further improve the accuracy and utility of V/Q imaging because of its superior technical characteristics. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of performing V/Q PET/CT and compared diagnostic utility with conventional V/Q imaging in patients with clinical suspicion of PE. Methods: Ten patients undergoing conventional V/Q imaging were prospectively recruited. PET/CT V/Q imaging was performed after inhalation of 68Ga-carbon nanoparticles ("Galligas") and administration of 68Ga-macroaggregated albumin. Blinded to the resul..