SPECTBildgebung

SPECTBildgebung (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique used to visualize functional information about organs and tissues within the body. It involves the administration of a gamma-emitting radioisotope (radiotracer) to the patient, which accumulates in specific tissues depending on blood flow, metabolism, or receptor activity. The emitted gamma rays are detected by a special gamma camera that rotates around the patient, capturing multiple two-dimensional images from different angles.

These images are then reconstructed by computer algorithms to create detailed three-dimensional representations of the distribution of the radiotracer within the body. SPECT provides valuable insights into physiological processes, such as blood flow, tissue viability, and receptor binding, making it useful in the diagnosis and management of various conditions, including cardiac diseases, neurological disorders, and certain cancers.

Compared to other imaging modalities like PET (Positron Emission Tomography), SPECT is generally more widely available and cost-effective. However, it offers lower spatial resolution and sensitivity. The choice of radiotracer depends on the clinical indication; for example, technetium-99m compounds are commonly used due to their favorable properties and widespread availability.

SPECT imaging can be combined with computed tomography (CT) to produce hybrid SPECT/CT images, enhancing anatomical localization and diagnostic accuracy. It remains an important tool in nuclear medicine, providing functional insights that complement anatomical imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans.