Israel O, Pellet O, Biassoni L, De Palma D, Estrada-Lobato E, Gnanasegaran G, Kuwert T, la Fougère C, Mariani G, Massalha S, Paez D, Giammarile F. Two decades of SPECT/CT - the coming of age of a technology: An updated review of literature evidence.
Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2019;
46:1990-2012. [PMID:
31273437 PMCID:
PMC6667427 DOI:
10.1007/s00259-019-04404-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with computed tomography (CT) was introduced as a hybrid SPECT/CT imaging modality two decades ago. The main advantage of SPECT/CT is the increased specificity achieved through a more precise localization and characterization of functional findings. The improved diagnostic accuracy is also associated with greater diagnostic confidence and better inter-specialty communication.
METHODS
This review presents a critical assessment of the relevant literature published so far on the role of SPECT/CT in a variety of clinical conditions. It also includes an update on the established evidence demonstrating both the advantages and limitations of this modality.
CONCLUSIONS
For the majority of applications, SPECT/CT should be a routine imaging technique, fully integrated into the clinical decision-making process, including oncology, endocrinology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, and cardiology. Large-scale prospective studies are lacking, however, on the use of SPECT/CT in certain clinical domains such as neurology and lung disorders. The review also presents data on the complementary role of SPECT/CT with other imaging modalities and a comparative analysis, where available.
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