Emission computed tomography

Emission computed tomography (ECT) is a type of medical imaging technique that uses radioactive substances to visualize and measure changes in metabolic processes, and in other physiological activities either in humans or animals.

Overview

ECT is a form of tomography where a three-dimensional image of a section of the body is produced. The technique involves the detection of radioactive emissions from radioactive substances. In ECT, a radioactive substance is introduced into the body, and the radiation emitted from the body is detected and analyzed to produce a tomographic image.

Types of Emission Computed Tomography

There are two main types of ECT: Positron emission tomography (PET) and Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine functional imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image of functional processes in the body. The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide (tracer), which is introduced into the body on a biologically active molecule.

Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear medicine tomographic imaging technique using gamma rays. It provides true 3D information. This information is typically presented as cross-sectional slices through the patient, but can be freely reformatted or manipulated as required.

Applications

ECT is used in various medical fields such as oncology, neurology, and cardiology. It is used to diagnose diseases, guide treatment, and monitor the progress of treatment.

In oncology, ECT is used to detect and locate tumors, and to assess the response to treatment. In neurology, it is used to study the brain functions and to diagnose neurological disorders. In cardiology, it is used to assess the heart function and to detect heart diseases.

See Also

• Computed tomography
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Ultrasound imaging