Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death across the globe. Although these diseases can be hard to treat, identifying them on time can help prevent them from worsening. That is why cardiac imaging technologies are crucial to diagnosing the conditions thoroughly. Two such examples of imaging using the latest technology are SPECT and PET imaging.
Although both SPECT and PET imaging generally provides similar results, they are different from one another on diverse levels. Study this article for a comprehensive guide on these two imaging techniques and how they differ.
What Is SPECT?
SPECT, also known as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, is a set of radiotracers that are injected into the bloodstream. It helps analyze the images of the flow of blood inside the organs. It also helps determine if you are suffering from cardiovascular disease. Generally, doctors perform a SPECT on patients when they are resting or undergoing a Nuclear Stress Test. As such, SPECT provided functional and metabolic information about the heart.
SPECT has radiotracers that pick up signals while moving on your chest. Once the signals are picked up, they are converted into computer images. Generally, Perfusion imaging is performed for this type of cardiovascular imaging technique. It helps fathom the blood flow to the heart comprehensively.
These radiotracers have a span of nearly half an hour to six hours inside your body. It helps doctors make the most of this time to run comprehensive imaging. They may also conduct SPECT brain scan for further analysis if need be.
SPECT uses radiotracers that move across your chest and detect up signals. Once the signals have been captured, they are transformed into digital images. This kind of cardiovascular imaging technology typically uses perfusion imaging. It aids in a thorough understanding of the blood supply to the heart.
The duration of these radiotracers inside your body ranges from close to 30 minutes to 6 hours. By performing thorough imaging, doctors can make the most of this time. If more research is necessary, they may additionally perform a SPECT brain scan.
Pros Of SPECT
- More affordable than PET because of its improvised range of circulation.
- It is used worldwide, which is indicative of its trained personnel.
- Helps accelerate image quality.
Cons Of SPECT
- If the camera is old, you might have a tough time viewing the images with clarity.
What Is PET?
Although it is similar to SPECT, PET uses radiopharmaceuticals injected into the body to help analyze the heart’s blood flow. This imaging also helps map out any damage or scar that might exist in the area. It may be relevant to any heart attack. The span of this radiotracer is 75 seconds which can put the doctor in a spot when wanting to investigate your condition thoroughly. As such, in this process, the risk of inaccuracy is higher. Apart from this, you may also notice that the decay system is more complex.
This type of imaging is non-invasive and uses Rubidium-82 in the form of the radiotracer.
Although it is similar to SPECT, PET uses radiopharmaceuticals that are intravenously administered to study the blood flow in the heart. Additionally, this imaging aids in mapping out any potential scars or damage in the area. Any type of heart attack may be affected by it. The 75-second lifetime of this radiotracer can make it difficult for the doctor to conduct a complete examination of your condition. As a result, there is a greater chance of error in this process. In addition, you might observe that the degradation system is more intricate.
Pros of PET
- Bet standing helps provide high-quality images to doctors.
Cons Of PET
- Radiopharmaceuticals have a very short life span, that acts as a drawback in helping diagnose cardiovascular conditions effectively.
- The imaging tool is not easily available everywhere.
- More costly than SPECT.
SPECT or PET- Which Is Better?
Considering SPECT and PET’s differences in examining cardiovascular health, neither is better than the other. Although SPECT is broadly available everywhere, it does not offer the ease of viewing images with quality. On the other hand, PET is not very easily available but can help with high-resolution images that are more accurate. Although there are studies that lean on the benefits of PET more, we cannot disagree that SPECT also provides quality benefits from many medical aspects.
Although this article is a comprehensive guide on the basics of both SPECT and PET imaging, we will recommend you to speak to your healthcare provider for more information on the same. They will help you receive more in-depth details as needed.
Given the distinctions between SPECT and PET for checking cardiovascular health, neither one is superior to the other. Although SPECT is widely accessible worldwide, it does not provide the simplicity of high-quality image viewing. PET, on the other hand, is not very widely accessible yet can assist with accurate high-resolution photographs. We cannot argue that SPECT also offers quality benefits from various medical aspects, despite research that focus more on the advantages of PET.
Globally, cardiovascular illnesses are the number one killer. Even though some illnesses can be challenging to treat, early detection can help stop them from getting worse. To accurately diagnose the problems, cardiac imaging technologies are therefore essential. SPECT and PET imaging are two examples of modern imaging techniques.
Although SPECT and PET imaging often produce results that are comparable, they differ from one another on a number of distinct levels. For a detailed explanation of these two imaging techniques and how they differ, read this article.
Cons Of PET
- Radiopharmaceuticals have a very short life span, that acts as a drawback in helping diagnose cardiovascular conditions effectively.
- The imaging tool is not easily available everywhere.
- More costly than SPECT.
- Although both SPECT and PET imaging generally provides similar results, they are different from one another on diverse levels. Study this article for a comprehensive guide on these two imaging techniques and how they differ.
- Although SPECT and PET imaging often produce results that are comparable, they differ from one another on a number of distinct levels. For a detailed explanation of these two imaging techniques and how they differ, read this article
