Correlation between lung perfusion blood volume and SPECT images in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension by balloon pulmonary angioplasty

Objectives: We evaluated the reperfusion by balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in lung PBV and SPECT images. Methods: In total, 17 patients and 57 sessions were evaluated. Pre-BPA and post-BPA lung PBV and SPECT/CT images, based on both anatomical segments and physiologic regions (upper/middle/lower) were compared. Results: BPA had a positive effect on most hypoperfused/unperfused segments/regions. There was generally a high rate of agreement between PBV measurements and SPECT/CT. Conclusions: BPA shows promise as a treatment modality for CTEPH patients. SPECT/CT, and, to a lesser extent, PBV, were useful in indicating areas in need of balloon angioplasty.