History of SPECT
The history of SPECT Brain Imaging began with the first SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging device being developed in the early 1960's by David Edwards and Roy Kuhl. This rather crude device consisted of several sodium iodide photon detectors that were arranged in a rectangular position around a patient's head. This device was known to users of that era as the MARK IV camera.
The first commercial applications of SPECT imaging were similar to the MARK IV but utilized 32 photon detectors. Even though this camera had more detectors, images were frequently distorted and not very useful in assisting clinicians in diagnosing a patient's medical problem. Subsequently, SPECT imaging technology did not gain universal acceptance within the medical community. It was not until advancements in nuclear imaging technology in the 1980's and 1990's that SPECT began to show promise as a diagnostic tool in the clinical environment. Today, SPECT imaging is recognized as one of the best imaging modalities to measure brain function and is frequently used in the diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury, Alzheimer's, Seizure Mapping, and is being increasingly used as a diagnostic tool for ADD/ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other psychiatric conditions.
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