Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a functional imaging method that offers information in living subjects using gamma-ray-emitting radioactive tracers administered to the patients, most commonly via intravenous injection. The emitted gamma rays are detected by the gamma cameras at different angles. The uptake information is reconstructed and displayed as a 3-D image. Meanwhile, computed Tomography (CT) is a morphological imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. The advantages of integrating SPECT and CT are not only limited to obtaining accurate attenuation correction, as the combined system also allows better control of the patient's orientation. Above all, there is added value due to the presence of co-registered anatomical images which also allow complementary diagnostic studies.
SPECT/CT hybrid imaging has essentially elevated diagnostic accuracy by combining metabolic and functional information, leading to a marked enhancement in healthcare by tailoring clinical treatment to each patient's specific needs. Consequently, SPECT/CT has become an integral part of the clinical decision-making process. The diagnostic potential of SPECT/CT systems is set to expand further, thanks to ongoing technological advances such as electronic innovations, new materials, the application of artificial intelligence-based algorithms, and all other improvements in performance. As healthcare moves into the era of precision medicine and theranostic approaches, SPECT/CT imaging, especially with its ability to perform quantitative measurements, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in delivering valuable insights for patient care.
This Research Topic aims to bring together the latest advances in SPECT and CT in the light of their integration into multimodal systems, covering technological developments, novel instrumentation, image reconstruction and enhancement, artificial intelligence, new tracers, and applications. Contributions such as original papers and literature reviews will be appreciated.
Keywords:
SPECT, CT, hybrid imaging system, multimodal imaging, molecular imaging, Nuclear Medicine
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a functional imaging method that offers information in living subjects using gamma-ray-emitting radioactive tracers administered to the patients, most commonly via intravenous injection. The emitted gamma rays are detected by the gamma cameras at different angles. The uptake information is reconstructed and displayed as a 3-D image. Meanwhile, computed Tomography (CT) is a morphological imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. The advantages of integrating SPECT and CT are not only limited to obtaining accurate attenuation correction, as the combined system also allows better control of the patient's orientation. Above all, there is added value due to the presence of co-registered anatomical images which also allow complementary diagnostic studies.
SPECT/CT hybrid imaging has essentially elevated diagnostic accuracy by combining metabolic and functional information, leading to a marked enhancement in healthcare by tailoring clinical treatment to each patient's specific needs. Consequently, SPECT/CT has become an integral part of the clinical decision-making process. The diagnostic potential of SPECT/CT systems is set to expand further, thanks to ongoing technological advances such as electronic innovations, new materials, the application of artificial intelligence-based algorithms, and all other improvements in performance. As healthcare moves into the era of precision medicine and theranostic approaches, SPECT/CT imaging, especially with its ability to perform quantitative measurements, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in delivering valuable insights for patient care.
This Research Topic aims to bring together the latest advances in SPECT and CT in the light of their integration into multimodal systems, covering technological developments, novel instrumentation, image reconstruction and enhancement, artificial intelligence, new tracers, and applications. Contributions such as original papers and literature reviews will be appreciated.
Keywords:
SPECT, CT, hybrid imaging system, multimodal imaging, molecular imaging, Nuclear Medicine
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.