What is a SPECT Scan?

SPECT stands for, single-photon emission computerized tomography, and this scan lets your doctor analyze the function of some of your internal organs. A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D pictures.

While imaging tests such as X-rays can show what the structures inside your body look like, a SPECT scan produces images that show how your organs work. For instance, a SPECT scan can show how blood flows to your heart or what areas of your brain are more active or less active.

Why is it important?

The most common uses of SPECT are to help diagnose or monitor brain disorders, heart problems, and bone disorders.

Brain disorders

SPECT can be helpful in determining which parts of the brain are being affected by:

• Dementia

• Clogged blood vessels

• Seizures

• Epilepsy

• Head injuries

Heart problems

Because the radioactive tracer highlights areas of blood flow, SPECT can check for:

• Clogged coronary arteries

  If the arteries that feed the heart muscle become narrowed or clogged, the portions of the heart muscle served by these arteries can become damaged or even die.

• Reduced pumping efficiency

  SPECT can show how completely your heart chambers empty during contractions.

Bone disorders

Areas of bone healing or cancer progression usually light up on SPECT scans, so this type of test is being used more frequently to help diagnose hidden bone fractures. SPECT scans can also diagnose and track the progression of cancer that has spread to the bones.