SPECT

The Institute of Nuclear Medicine houses several gamma cameras capable of SPECT imaging. We have extensive experience in SPECT and SPECT/CT imaging procedures, both for routine and research purposes.

GE Discovery NM/CT 670 SPECT/CT Camera
GE Discovery NM/CT 670 SPECT/CT Camera

Facilities

  • GE Discovery 670 16-slice SPECT/CT gamma camera
  • GE Discovery 670 16-slice SPECT/CT gamma camera (UCL)
  • GE Infinia Hawkeye 4-slice STECT/CT gamma camera
  • GE Infinia GP SPECT gamma camera
  • Spectrum Dynamics D-SPECT High Speed CZT Solid State Imaging Device for Cardiac SPECT

What is SPECT/CT?

A SPECT scan is commonly performed in combination with a CT scan, so we can gather functional and anatomical information of the body in a single appointment.

SPECT/CT is an integrated imaging system which combines functional data from a multi-head SPECT gamma camera and high-resolution anatomical details from a multi-slice diagnostic CT scanner.

Following an injection of a radioactive tracer, a SPECT scan produces three-dimensional images of body function.

The SPECT functional data fused with CT anatomical data provides better image visualisation and enables clinicians to define more accurately the exact location and extent of the disease.

Why we use it

The Institute of Nuclear Medicine has extensive experience in several SPECT and SPECT/CT imaging procedures, both for routine and research purposes.

This modality has proven benefits using different radio-labelled tracers in clinical practice and in research.

Some of the indications where SPECT/CT has found to be of great benefit are as follows:

  • Bone imaging - The musculoskeletal system is imaged to investigate bone disease and pain.
  • Oncology imaging - Tumour sites are localised for both diagnostic and post-therapeutic purposes.
  • Cardiac imaging - Functional images of the heart are acquired, normally in conjunction with ECG monitoring of the cardiac cycle.
  • Neuroimaging - Images are acquired for several brain conditions, including movement disorders, dementia, and epilepsy.
  • Endocrine imaging - Parathyroid adenomas are localised, commonly for surgical workup.
  • Sentinel node mapping - The lymphatic drainage from tumour sites is imaged.