Single-photon emission computed tomography

Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a medical imaging technique often used for functional neuroimaging. The technique is similar to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) since both rely on detecting the concentration of radionuclides in the patient's body. It is believed that lower concentrations indicate decreased blood flow, which in turn indicate problem areas. SPECT scans were first used in the 1960's by D.E. Kuhl and R.Q. Edwards.

In order to detect the radionuclide concentrations, a photon detector array is rotated around the body and the information obtained is enhanced using mathematical reconstruction algorithms. SPECT does not provide as high resolution as PET or MEG, however it tends to be cheaper (about $700) compared to these functional imaging techniques (around $2000).

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Source:
http://imasun.lbl.gov/~budinger/medTechdocs/SPECT.html