WHITE-MATTER ISCHEMIA ON BRAIN SPECT

Four patients were shown to have ischemic injury to the posterior limb of the internal capsule on brain SPECT with Tc-99m-HMPAO. These findi ngs were later corroborated by transmission CT scans in three patients . In the interpretation of high-resolution SPECT imaging of regional c erebral blood flow, it is important to inspect the deep white and gray matter activity for asymmetry and perfusion deficits. The blood flow to the diencephalon, which is critical for brain function, can be imag ed with high-resolution brain SPECT. The early ascertainment of ischem ic changes in the diencephalon may lead to important patient managemen t decisions.