V/Q SPECT and SPECT/CT in Pulmonary Embolism

Ventilation and perfusion (V/Q) lung scintigraphy has been used in the assessment of patients with suspected pulmonary embo-lism for more than 50 y. Advances in imaging technology make SPECT and SPECT/CT feasible. This article will examine the application and technical considerations associated with per-forming 3-dimensional V/Q SPECT and the contribution of a coacquired CT scan. The literature tends to be mixed and contra-dictory in terms of appropriate investigation algorithms for pul-monary embolism. V/Q SPECT and SPECT/CT offer significant advantages over planar V/Q, with or without the advantages of Technegas ventilation, and if available should be the preferred option in the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. His fact provided technique role gas; will ated SPECT the