Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

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Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a three-dimensional nuclear medicine imaging technique combining the information gained from scintigraphy with that of computed tomography. This allows the distribution of the radionuclide to be displayed in a three-dimensional manner offering better detail, contrast and spatial information than planar nuclear imaging alone.

Design

SPECT machines combine an array of gamma cameras (ranging from one to four cameras) which rotate around the patient on a gantry. SPECT may be also combined with a separate CT machine in a form of hybrid imaging; single photon emission computed tomography-computerized tomography (SPECT-CT) mainly for the purposes of attenuation correction and anatomical localization .

Principle

Gamma cameras rotate around the patient providing spatial information on the distribution of the radionuclide within tissues. The use of multiple gamma cameras increases detector efficiency and spatial resolution. The projection data obtained from the cameras are then reconstructed into three-dimensional images usually in axial slices . When SPECT-CT is used, attenuation correction and higher resolution anatomical localization can be achieved .

Uses