SPECTskannere

SPECT scanners, or Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography scanners, are advanced medical imaging devices used to visualize blood flow and physiological function within the body. Unlike standard X-rays or CT scans that show anatomical structure, SPECT imaging reveals how organs and tissues are working at a cellular level.

The process involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer, often Technetium-99m, into the patient's bloodstream. This tracer accumulates in specific organs or tissues depending on the medical condition being investigated. As the tracer decays, it emits gamma rays, which are detected by a rotating gamma camera. The scanner's computer then processes these gamma ray emissions to create cross-sectional images, or "slices," of the body. These slices can be reconstructed into three-dimensional images, providing detailed functional information.

SPECT scans are commonly used in cardiology to assess blood flow to the heart muscle, detect blockages in coronary arteries, and evaluate the extent of damage after a heart attack. In neurology, they help diagnose conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease by mapping brain activity and blood flow. SPECT imaging also plays a role in oncology for detecting cancer, assessing its spread (metastasis), and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.

The procedure is generally safe, with the radiation dose from the tracer being minimal and quickly eliminated from the body.SPECT scanners are a vital tool in modern diagnostic medicine, offering insights into the functional status of organs and tissues that are not visible with other imaging techniques.