J Nucl Med 2001 Feb;42(2):259-71
Brain SPECT in clinical practice. Part I: perfusion.
Catafau AM.
Brain perfusion SPECT is a functional neuroimaging technique that allows
noninvasive study of physiologic and physiopathologic events in the human brain.
With the appropriate technique and careful interpretation of the information
provided, brain perfusion SPECT has proven potential for patient management.
SPECT has clinical value in the diagnosis, therapeutic management, and follow-up
of patients. The diversity of central nervous system diseases and the still
incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie them have contributed to
the success of brain perfusion SPECT as a research tool in neurosciences. This
article provides fundamental knowledge on how and when to perform brain
perfusion SPECT in clinical practice. A general overview of the clinical value
of this technique is followed by relevant information on cerebral physiology for
proper understanding of brain SPECT images. Practical considerations on
quantification and interventional studies are also offered. Finally,
step-by-step recommendations for interpreting and reporting brain perfusion
SPECT images are provided to obtain the maximum clinical benefit from this
technique.
