Single-photon emission computed tomography [neuro-SPECT] imaging of brain tumors

Abstract

Primary brain tumors have an annual incidence rate of 7–19.1 cases per 100,000 population. Metastatic tumors to the brain are more common with more than 100,000 patients per year in the United States. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumor. CT and MRI are necessary to characterize the tumor type, size, and extension. Nevertheless, in patients with brain lesions, it is not uncommon for CT and MRI to provide nonspecifi c information, even after contrast or gadolinium infusion. Imaging of intracranial space-occupying lesions by nuclear medicine techniques such as SPECT and PET have also been introduced as methods providing information about the metabolic status of various braintumors. Although PET constitutes the most sophisticated modality of nuclear medicine imaging, SPECT has a lower cost, worldwide availability, and gained practical experience. The primary role of SPECT in brain tumor patients lies on the noninvasive assessment of tumor aggressiveness, differentiation of treatmentinduced necrosis from tumor recurrence, assessment of response to treatment, and estimation of overall prognosis.