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Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear medicine imaging test. It is a type of positron emission tomography, also called a PET scan.
Doctors use SPECT to:
SPECT locates areas of the heart muscle that have inadequate blood flow compared with areas that have normal flow. Inadequate blood flow may mean that coronary arteries are narrowed or that a heart attack has occurred.
It is a non-invasive imaging scan that exposes you to radiation. For this test, your doctor injects a tiny amount of radioactive tracers through a vein in your arm. After the radioactive tracer is injected, a camera that can detect the radiation emitted by these tracers rotates around you. This creates images of your heart from different angles. Then, computer graphics are used to create three-dimensional images of your heart.
For more information about PET scans, see Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan).
Current as of: September 7, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review Board: Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, ElectrophysiologyAnne C. Poinier MD - Internal MedicineE. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineMartin J. Gabica MD - Family MedicineStephen Fort MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Stephen Fort MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
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