SPECT/CT
Pronunciation: spekt-see-tee
Also written as: SPECT/CT — Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography
Hybrid imaging combining functional SPECT with anatomic CT for improved localization.
Full Definition
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) represents a hybrid imaging modality that combines the functional information from SPECT with the anatomical detail of CT in a single examination. The CT component provides precise anatomical localization of radiotracer uptake, attenuation correction for quantitative analysis, and correlation with structural abnormalities. SPECT/CT is particularly valuable in oncology for sentinel lymph node mapping, bone scintigraphy interpretation, and neuroendocrine tumor imaging with agents like octreotide. The fusion of functional and anatomical data significantly improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces interpretation uncertainty compared to SPECT alone.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize hybrid nature - not just SPECT plus separate CT.
In Context
- "SPECT/CT precisely localized the sentinel lymph node in the axilla." — nuclear medicine report
- "Bone SPECT/CT differentiated degenerative changes from metastatic disease." — oncology imaging interpretation