The role of deep learning in myocardial perfusion imaging for diagnosis and prognosis: A systematic review

The development of state-of-the-art algorithms for computer visualization has led to a growing interest in applying deep learning (DL) techniques to the field of medical imaging. DL-based algorithms have been extensively utilized in various aspects of cardiovascular imaging, and one notable area of focus is single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), which is regarded as the gold standard for non-invasive diagnosis of myocardial ischemia. However, due to the complex decision-making process of DL based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), the explainability of DL results has become a significant area of research, particularly in the field of medical imaging. To better harness the potential of DL and to be well prepared for the ongoing DL revolution in nuclear imaging, this review aims to summarize the recent applications of DL in MPI, with a specific emphasis on the methods in explainable DL for the diagnosis and prognosis of MPI. Furthermore, the challenges and potential directions for future research are also discussed.