Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography ( SPECT )
SPECT is short for Single Photon Emission Computed
Tomography. As its name suggests (single photon emission), gamma ray
emissions are the source of information, rather than X-ray transmissions as used
in conventional Computed Tomography.
Similar to X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), SPECT allows us to visualize functional
information about a patient's specific organ or body system.
Internal radiation is administered by means of a
pharmaceutical which is labeled with a radioactive isotope. This so
called radiopharmaceutical, or tracer, is injected, ingested, or inhaled. The
radioactive isotope decays, resulting in the emission of gamma rays. These gamma
rays are then used to generate a picture of what's happening inside the
patient's body.
The most essential tool in Nuclear Medicine, the Gamma Camera, can be used in
planar imaging to acquire 2-dimensional images, or SPECT imaging to acquire
3-dimensional images.
The Gamma Camera collects gamma rays that are emitted from within the patient,
enabling us to reconstruct a picture of where the gamma rays originated. From
this, we can determine how a particular organ or system is functioning.
Indications:
- Bone diseases; infection, bone necrosis
- Thyroid function assessment
- Site of bleeding in GI tract
- Kidney function assessment
- Abnormalities of biliary tree
For more information : Information Center
1719 or SPEC Room, Wattanosoth Hospital