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SPECT Imaging of Brain and Tinnitus-Neurotologic/Neurologic Implications
The International Tinnitus Journal
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) reveals brain blood flow abnormalities in severe tinnitus patients. This brain imaging technique highlights organicity, suggesting neurological links to central tinnitus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Central subjective idiopathic tinnitus is often disabling.
- Standard neurological and imaging tests (CT/MRI) are typically negative in these patients.
- Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) abnormalities may underlie central tinnitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of Tc-HMPAO SPECT brain imaging in identifying rCBF abnormalities.
- To explore potential neurobiological underpinnings of central tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized technetium-99m hexamethyl propyleneamine oxine (Tc-HMPAO) SPECT imaging of the brain.
- Compared patient SPECT scans with normative data.
- Focused on patients with severe, disabling central subjective idiopathic tinnitus and negative initial workups.
Main Results:
- Identified significant bilateral regional cerebral perfusion abnormalities in temporal, frontal, parietal, and hippocampal amygdala regions.
- Demonstrated in vivo evidence of brain organicity in central tinnitus patients.
Conclusions:
- Tc-HMPAO SPECT imaging can reveal underlying brain perfusion deficits in central tinnitus.
- Findings suggest potential links to cerebrovascular disease, neurodegeneration, dementia, or neuropsychiatric mood disorders.
- SPECT imaging offers a novel tool for understanding the neurobiological basis of central tinnitus.