SPECT

SPECT or Single-photon emission computed tomography is a nuclear medicine tomographic imaging technique using gamma rays. It provides 3D information as opposed to the 2D information provided by a conventional scintigraphy.

Overview[edit | edit source]

SPECT imaging is performed by using a gamma camera to acquire multiple 2D images (also called projections), from multiple angles. A computer is then used to apply a tomographic reconstruction algorithm to the multiple projections, yielding a 3D dataset. This dataset may then be manipulated to show thin slices along any chosen axis of the body, similar to those obtained from other tomographic techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Applications[edit | edit source]

SPECT is used to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of medical conditions. Some of the most common applications include cardiology, neurology, and oncology.

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

SPECT has several advantages over other imaging techniques. It is less expensive than positron emission tomography (PET), and it can be performed using longer-lived and more easily obtained radioisotopes than PET. However, SPECT images are less detailed and have a lower resolution than PET images.

References[edit | edit source]

Template:Radiology

SPECT Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.