Single-photon emission computed tomography

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), pronounced /ˈspɛkt/, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses gamma rays. It provides 3D information as opposed to the 2D information provided by a conventional gamma camera.

Etymology

The term "Single-photon emission computed tomography" is derived from the process it involves. It uses single photons of a given energy emitted from a radionuclide to create a 3D image, and the term "computed tomography" refers to the computed process of creating the image.

Procedure

In a SPECT procedure, the patient is injected with a radioactive tracer, which is then taken up by the body tissues. The gamma camera then rotates around the patient, capturing images from multiple angles which are then reconstructed to form a 3D image.

Applications

SPECT is used in various fields of medicine, including cardiology, neurology, and oncology. In cardiology, it can be used to identify areas of the heart that have reduced blood flow. In neurology, it can be used to identify areas of the brain affected by conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. In oncology, it can be used to identify areas of increased metabolic activity, which may indicate the presence of cancer.

Related Terms

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Single-photon emission computed tomography

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