SPECTkuvauksista

SPECT imaging, which stands for Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography, is a nuclear medicine imaging technique. It uses small amounts of radioactive tracers that are injected into the patient's bloodstream. These tracers accumulate in specific organs or tissues. As the radioactive tracer decays, it emits gamma rays, which are detected by a rotating gamma camera. The camera captures multiple projections of the tracer distribution from different angles. A computer then reconstructs these projections into cross-sectional images, similar to CT scans. These images provide detailed three-dimensional information about the function and blood flow of organs and tissues.

SPECT imaging is valuable for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of conditions. In cardiology, it can assess blood flow to the heart muscle, helping to detect coronary artery disease. In neurology, it is used to study brain activity, diagnose conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, and evaluate stroke recovery. SPECT can also be employed in oncology to detect cancerous tumors, assess their spread, and monitor treatment response. It is also used in endocrinology to evaluate thyroid and parathyroid function. The choice of radioactive tracer depends on the specific organ or condition being investigated. The procedure is generally safe, with the radiation dose from the tracer being comparable to that of a standard X-ray examination.