SINGLE-PHOTON-EMISSION COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY (SPECT) IN NEUROTOLOGIC ASSESSMENT - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan enables cl inicians to probe dynamic and metabolic changes in brain tissue throug h measurement of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Diagnostic benef its of the SPECT scan in clinical neurology have been demonstrated. SP ECT scanning has been shown to be more sensitive than morphologic imag ing techniques [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomograp hy (CT)] in many conditions. However, the use of the scan in assessing neurotologic complaints remains inadequately investigated. Few studie s have explored the value of SPECT in establishing the causes of dizzi ness, hearing loss, and tinnitus. We studied SPECT along with MRI, CT scan, electroencephalogram (EEG), and other evaluations in patients wi th these neurotologic complaints. SPECT abnormalities were more freque nt and prominent than those visualized by other imaging modalities. Ov erall, 78% of SPECT scans revealed abnormalities. Abnormalities were f ound in 46% of MRIs, 40% of CTs, and 29% of EEGs. The disparity betwee n SPECT scanning and other procedures was also seen once patients were divided by their chief complaints. This study illustrates the sensiti vity of SPECT scanning in evaluating neurotologic complaints and highl ights the need for additional research into the importance of SPECT sc anning in comprehensive neurotologic evaluation.