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SPECT scan
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Overview
A single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) 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.
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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 it's done

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.

More Information

 Chronic traumatic encephalopathy

 Epilepsy

 Frontotemporal dementia
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Risks
For most people, SPECT scans are safe. If you receive an injection or
infusion of radioactive tracer, you may experience:

 Bleeding, pain or swelling where the needle was inserted in your arm

 Rarely, an allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer

SPECT scans aren't safe for women who are pregnant or breast-

feeding because the radioactive tracer may be passed to the
developing fetus or the nursing baby.

Risks of radiation

Your health care team uses a small amount of radiation in order to

perform a SPECT scan, and the test is not associated with any long-
term health risks. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about your
exposure to radiation during a SPECT scan.

How you prepare

How you prepare for a SPECT scan depends on your particular
situation. Ask your health care team whether you need to make any
special preparations before your SPECT scan.

In general, you should:

 Leave metallic jewelry at home.

 Inform the technologist if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

 Bring a list of all the medications and supplements you take.

What you can expect
During the test

SPECT scanOpen pop-up dialog box

SPECT scans involve two steps: receiving a radioactive injection

(called a tracer) and using a SPECT machine to scan a specific area
of your body.
Receiving a radioactive substance

You'll receive a radioactive substance through an intravenous (IV)

infusion into a vein in your arm. The tracer dose is very small. You may
feel a cold sensation as it enters your body. You may be asked to lie
quietly in a room for 20 minutes or more before your scan while your
body absorbs the radioactive tracer. In some cases, you may need to
wait several hours or, rarely, several days between the injection and
your SPECT scan.

Your body's more-active tissues will absorb more of the radioactive

substance. For instance, during a seizure, the area of your brain
causing the seizure may retain more of the radioactive tracer, which
allows doctors to pinpoint the area of your brain causing your seizures.
Undergoing the  SPECT  scan

The SPECT machine is a large circular device containing a camera

that detects the radioactive tracer your body absorbs. During your
scan, you lie on a table while the SPECT machine rotates around you.
The SPECT machine takes pictures of your internal organs and other
structures. The pictures are sent to a computer that uses the
information to create 3-D images of your body.

How long your scan takes depends on the reason for your procedure.

After the test

Most of the radioactive tracer leaves your body through your urine
within a few hours after your SPECT scan. Your doctor may instruct
you to drink more fluids, such as juice or water, after
your SPECT scan to help flush the tracer from your body. Your body
breaks down the remaining tracer over the next few days.

Results
A radiologist or doctor with advanced training in nuclear medicine will
analyze the results of your SPECT scan and send them to your doctor.
Pictures from your scan may show colors that tell your doctor what
areas of your body absorbed more of the radioactive tracer and which
areas absorbed less. For instance, a brain SPECT image might show a
lighter color where brain cells are less active and darker colors where
brains cells are more active. Some SPECT images show shades of
gray, rather than colors.

Ask your health care team how long to expect to wait for your results.

Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and
tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease.
By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Dec. 28, 2019

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Related

 Chronic traumatic encephalopathy

 Epilepsy

 Frontotemporal dementia

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