Hybrid single‑photon emission computed tomography‑computed tomography: A review of literature

The use of hybrid imaging consisting of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and X-ray transmission computed tomography (CT) scan has the advantage of providing functional and morphologic information for a given lesion or pathology in a single session. Internet search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was undertaken. Key phrases searched were SPECT-CT and lesion categorization or characterization. Studies considered for review include a comparison of SPECT-CT versus SPECT scintigraphy, SPECT-CT versus SPECT versus planar scintigraphy, and SPECT-CT in patients with indeterminate lesions on conventional scintigraphy either for benign or malignant conditions. Fusion of functional information obtained from radionuclide imaging with morphologic information obtained from X-ray CT has improved lesion localization, characterization, and observer confidence. It has been shown to change patient management.