The unfolded map using 201T1 myocardial SPECT.

The unfolded map is a new method to show the 201T1 distribution of left ventricle using SPECT. In 52 cases these maps were obtained at the stress study and 4 h later. The maximal count profiles of the perimeters for each short axis image were unfolded and were arranged from the apex to base of the left ventricle into a two dimensional map. All patients had chest pain and were suspected of coronary artery disease. The unfolded map had significant correlations between coronary arteriogram and exercise ECG findings. In conclusion, this method reflects the ischemic area of left ventricular myocardium, closer to the real left ventricular myocardium than Bull's eye display and is useful in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease.