Comparison of [N-13]NH_3 Production Methods: Practical Experience of National Taiwan University Hospital

摘要

Background: [N-13]NH3 has been widely used for myocardial perfusion scan. It not only could be used in assessment of ischemia area and severity level of coronary artery disease (CAD) but also provides absolute quantification imaging and valuable information for prognosis and strategy selection of precision treatment. Thus, clinical demand and significance of [N-13]NH3 are continuously increasing over time. Among all reported methods about [N-13]NH3 production, both post-reduction (DeVarda's method) and EtOH-additive method (EtOH method) are common used in hospitals with cyclotron facility. Both methods have been implemented in our site for clinical use. Thus, the aims of this study were to compare these two methods and to share our practical experience.