Acronym

SPECT - Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Nuclear imaging using single-photon emitters (technetium-99m, iodine-123) with rotating detector to create 3D images

Expansion

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Purpose

Myocardial perfusion, bone imaging, brain perfusion, ventilation-perfusion imaging

Clinical Context

SPECT reconstructs 3D image from 2D projections. Older, lower cost than PET; lower resolution but useful for perfusion and functional imaging.

  • PET
  • Planar imaging

Key Points

  • SPECT provides 3D images; useful for myocardial perfusion, bone pain localisation, and stroke assessment