Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: a Retrospective Study Comparing 2d Echocardiography and Gated Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (spect) in Clinical Use

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) results derived from gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using Cedars-Sinai quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) processing software with results from 2D echocardiography, both obtained in routine clinical diagnostic use. Methods Data from previously performed tests were obtained from 73 patients who had undergone both 2D echocardiography and gated SPECT within a time span of 6 months and had not had significant events that could influence LVEF. LVEF from 2D echocardiography was reassessed to obtain discrete values and then the data was compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Results The correlation between the tests was shown to be good, but precision lacked. Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of-0.8 percentage points when gated SPECT compared to mean values and 2 standard deviations (SD) ranged from-20.2 to 18.6. Conclusions LVEF values from the two methods can differ quite a bit and comparisons between them should be done with great caution.