Radiology Services

St. Luke's Nuclear Medicine Department offers its patients SPECT/CT - an advanced medical imaging technology that combines single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT). The technology enables physicians to detect heart disease, cancer and other diseases earlier and target treatments with greater precision.

The SPECT/CT system allows physicians to obtain more detailed information and increased image clarity in a single, non-invasive procedure than is possible through separate procedures. The system detects changes in patients' molecular activity - before structural changes become visible - and combines this information with precise anatomical detail obtained through CT technology to pinpoint the location of abnormal tissue.

By providing complete information about the exact location, size, nature and extent of disease, the SPECT/CT system enables physicians at St. Luke's to make diagnoses with pinpoint accuracy, anywhere in the body. With earlier and more accurate diagnosis, physicians will be able to plan treatment more effectively and provide feedback on treatment efficacy, as well as potentially avoid unnecessary invasive surgery and reduce the risks of necessary surgery. As a result, physicians can better individualize their clinical decision-making and ultimately achieve better outcomes for patients.

What Kinds of Exams Are Performed With the SPECT/CT System?

Cardiology - identifying segments of the heart with decreased or insufficient blood flow and evaluating heart wall motion.

Oncology - identifying surgical areas of interest, supporting the diagnosis of cancer and staging for cancer treatment or identifying a patient's response to treatment

Pulmonary - imaging the lungs to evaluate respiratory and blood-flow function

Gastrointestinal - identifying blockages, assessment of stomach, gall bladder, liver function and gastrointestinal bleeding

Thyroid - detecting an overactive or underactive thyroid, parathyroid, thyroid nodules or to assist in therapy planning for thyroid disorders

Orthopedics - evaluating metastatic disease or bone pain in cancer patients. SPECT can also be used to identify fractures.

Brain Function - SPECT is emerging in this area and may be effective for the study of brain function and identifying foci.

For more information on St. Luke's SPECT/CT technology or treatments available, call 314-205-6518.