Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Part II: Clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Radiology

Background:

• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems are newly available, with clinical applications still emerging.
• SPECT imaging requires rigorous quality control for optimal performance, presenting challenges compared to planar imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current and potential clinical applications of SPECT imaging.
• To compare the diagnostic capabilities of SPECT versus planar imaging in various medical conditions.
• To identify areas for future development in SPECT technology and radiopharmaceuticals.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of SPECT and planar imaging in Tc-99m sulfur colloid liver studies.
• Assessment of preliminary SPECT Tl-201 studies.
• Evaluation of SPECT utility in bone imaging (e.g., avascular necrosis of the hip).
• Review of SPECT applications in brain and lung perfusion studies.

Main Results:

• SPECT demonstrates higher lesion contrast and detects smaller lesions than planar imaging in liver studies.
• SPECT provides additional information in specific bone imaging scenarios.
• Encouraging preliminary results exist for SPECT Tl-201 studies, though further comparison is needed.
• Clinical utility of SPECT in brain and lung perfusion remains to be determined.

Conclusions:

• SPECT imaging offers advantages over planar imaging, particularly in lesion detection and contrast.
• Development of novel radiopharmaceuticals, such as Tc-99m labeled brain and myocardial agents, will enhance SPECT's future utility.
• Further research is required to establish the full clinical value of SPECT and explore applications like quantitative lesion volume analysis and monoclonal antibody imaging.