SPECTkuvaukissa

SPECT stands for Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography. It is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces three-dimensional images of functional processes in the body. SPECT uses radioactive tracers, also known as radiopharmaceuticals, which are injected, swallowed, or inhaled. These tracers accumulate in specific organs or tissues. As the tracers decay, they emit gamma rays, which are detected by a special camera called a SPECT scanner. The scanner rotates around the patient, collecting data from multiple angles. A computer then reconstructs this data into cross-sectional images, similar to those produced by CT or MRI scans, but showing physiological or metabolic activity rather than anatomical structure alone.

SPECT imaging is valuable for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, brain disorders like Alzheimer's and epilepsy, bone cancer, and infections. For example, in cardiology, SPECT can assess blood flow to the heart muscle, identifying areas of reduced perfusion that may indicate coronary artery disease. In neurology, it can help pinpoint areas of abnormal brain activity associated with seizures or evaluate blood flow to different brain regions. The choice of radioactive tracer depends on the specific organ or condition being investigated. The radiation dose from SPECT scans is generally considered low and safe.