gammakuvaukseen

Gamma-kuvaukseen, also known as SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography), is a nuclear medicine imaging technique. It uses small amounts of radioactive material, called radiotracers, which are injected into the body. These radiotracers emit gamma rays as they decay.

A special gamma camera rotates around the patient, detecting the gamma rays emitted from the radiotracer within the body. This data is then processed by a computer to create cross-sectional images, or "slices," of the body's internal organs and tissues. Unlike CT or MRI, SPECT visualizes physiological function rather than just anatomical structure.

SPECT imaging is particularly useful for evaluating blood flow to organs, such as the heart and brain. It can help diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease, brain tumors, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. The choice of radiotracer depends on the specific organ or condition being investigated, as different tracers accumulate in different tissues. The procedure is generally painless, and the radiation dose from the radiotracer is considered safe for diagnostic purposes. The images produced provide valuable information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring disease progression.