What is the benefit of CT-based attenuation correction in myocardial perfusion SPET?

In multimodality imaging, CT-derived transmission maps are used for attenuation correction (AC) of SPET or PET data. Regarding SPET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), however, the bene����t of CT-based AC (CT-AC) has been questioned. Although most attenuation-related artifacts are removed by this technique, new false defects may appear while some true perfusion abnormalities may be masked. The merits and the drawbacks of CT-AC in MPI SPET are reviewed and discussed in this editorial. In conclusion, CT-AC is most helpful in men, overweight in particular, and in those with low or low to intermediate pre-test probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is also useful for the evaluation of myocardial viability. In high-risk patients though, CT-AC may underestimate the presence or the extent of CAD. In any case, corrected and non-corrected images should be viewed side-by-side and both considered in the interpretation of the study.