Role of fast data acquisition method with Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT in patients with acute stroke

The first data acquisition method for Tc-99m hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime (Tc-99m HMPAO) brain SPECT was used in two patients with acute stroke 5 and 8 hours after the event. In one patient Tc-99m HMPAO fast SPECT showed perfusion defects before the same was manifested on CT. In the other patient, Tc-99m HMPAO fast SPECT showed larger defects than the edema seen on CT. The Tc-99m HMPAO fast SPECT might be feasible for the evaluation of acute stroke patients. Since the time required for fast SPECT is much shorter than usual SPECT, it appears to be more suitable for some patients with acute stroke who are brought to the hospital in a very critical condition.