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By Lila Havens, HealthAtoZ Writer
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan is a test that can show how well organs such as the brain and heart are working. When it's done to look at the heart, it's called cardiac SPECT or SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).
SPECT is a type of nuclear imaging. This means it uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer). The tracer gives off energy that a special camera captures as images. Combined with computer technology, these images make a 3-D picture of how blood flows through your heart arteries.
Why is this test performed?
A SPECT scan can show if you have blocked or narrowed arteries or damaged heart muscle. This can help your doctor diagnose coronary heart disease.
If you've had chest pain, a heart attack or you have coronary heart disease, SPECT can help your doctor decide if you are a good candidate for angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. Angioplasty (also called percutaneous coronary intervention) can open a narrowed or blocked artery to improve blood flow to the heart. This may help reduce the risk of a future heart attack and relieve chest pain symptoms. Bypass surgery may be needed if several blood vessels are blocked.
A SPECT scan may also be done after angioplasty or bypass surgery to see how well these procedures worked.
What does this test involve?
To do this test, a doctor either injects the tracer into a vein or has you inhale it. You will wait a while to give the tracer time to travel through your bloodstream.
During the test, you'll lie on a table with the camera attached to it. The camera will circle your chest and take pictures from all angles. It's important to be very still while the camera is working, so you may be strapped snugly against the table.
Two sets of pictures will be taken: one while you're resting and one while your heart is stressed. To stress your heart, you may exercise for a few minutes, or you may be given medicine that makes your heart work harder.
How long the test takes can vary depending on what tracer is used. It usually takes about 30 minutes to get one set of pictures. The whole appointment may last for three or four hours.
What are the risks or precautions for this test?
A SPECT scan is a noninvasive test that is safe for most people. A few people have an allergic reaction to the tracer, so tell the doctor or the technician if you have any allergies or have symptoms such as itching, swelling or shortness of breath.
SPECT is not safe for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. If there's any chance you could be pregnant, you may need to take a pregnancy test before you have a SPECT scan.
Some people worry about radiation from the tracer. You will be given only a tiny amount of this substance and it passes out of the body in a day or two. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor before the test.
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