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Hemant Chheda, M.D.
 SPECT
(Single Proton Emission Computerized Tomography) scanning is a fairly new technique whereby
images can be obtained of diseased parathyroid glands which have absorbed a radioactive marker.
SPECT scanning is a variant of Sestamibi Scanning for parathyroid glands.
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The difference between SPECT Scanning for
parathyroids and and routine Sestamibi scanning for parathyroids
is nothing more than a different x-ray camera is used and many
more pictures are taken. Its the same dye put into the
patient's veins, and it works by the exact same principle. |
A number of experts believe that SPECT scanning for parathyroid disease enables them
to increase the accuracy of routine Sestamibi scanning by about 2 to 3 percent.
SPECT scanning can be performed at any time within the first several hours after a
patient is injected with the radioactive Sestamibi radiopharmaceutical. During the scan,
30 (typical) or more images are taken surrounding the patient's head and neck. These images
can be viewed separately, or they can be assimilated to provide a three dimensional picture
as seen in the video accompanying this page. The most important
use for SPECT scanning is when ordinary Sestamibi scans are inconclusive or when
a more detailed anatomic localization is necessary such as when patients are being
re-operated on. Some believe that the SPECT scanning to localize parathyroid glands
is a bit over used, and have suggested that it will be less necessary as hospitals become more
experienced with the routine sestamibi scan. This can be a terrific tool, however.
View a SPECT scan.
Suggested Next Readings:
 | If you have not read about Sestamibi
Scanning to find the bad parathyroid gland, then please do so by clicking
here. The Sestamibi scan is of central importance to the care of
patients with parathyroid disease. |
| Read how the radioactive parathyroid gland can be found in the
operating room by the surgeon using a radioactive probe (this is the MIRP
operation) |
| For more information about Dr Chheda, click
here. |
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