What Is A VQ Scan?
A vq scan is a diagnostic test used to check blood flow in the brain. It is done to diagnose various conditions such as: glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), meningitis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke or other diseases. There are two types of vq scans; single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET).
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) uses a beam of light to produce images of the body. These images are then analyzed using sophisticated equipment to detect abnormalities. SPECT imaging is most commonly used to monitor patients with cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.
PET scanning uses radioactive tracers to measure specific chemical reactions within cells called metabolic processes.
The main purpose of these tests is diagnosis and treatment planning. However, they may also provide insights into some mental disorders like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
How Does a VQ Scan Work?
VQ scanning involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into your bloodstream. Your blood is then scanned to see if it contains any radioactivity. If so, the scanner will show changes in your blood vessels which indicate the presence of radiation exposure. Radiological experts use different techniques to determine whether someone has been exposed to radiation or not. In some cases, the changes in blood flow may indicate the presence of a disease or condition.
More Information on VQ Scan:
A VQ scan is used to detect tumors and high blood pressure in the brain. It can also be used to detect blockages in the carotid artery. The procedure involves one or two scans and does not require any sedation as it is painless.
Some people experience an allergic reaction to the radiation but this can be easily dealt with.
VQ scanning is very effective at detecting abnormalities in the brain. It can accurately measure blood flow in various parts of the brain and detect inability of blood to reach different locations. While this information may not be enough to correctly diagnose a condition, it provides health professionals with valuable insights into possible conditions which may need attention.
You should only seek a vq scan if advised by a health professional.
Sources & references used in this article:
Congenital lobar emphysema: the roles of CT and V/Q scan by RI Markowitz, MR Mercurio, GA Vahjen… – Clinical …, 1989 – journals.sagepub.com
Don’t bury the V/Q scan: it’s as good as multidetector CT angiograms with a lot less radiation exposure by LM Freeman – Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 2008 – Soc Nuclear Med
Combination of clinical and V/Q scan assessment for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a 2-year outcome prospective study by G Barghouth, B Yersin, A Boubaker, F Doenz… – European journal of …, 2000 – Springer
Clinical diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism: when should a V/Q scan be ordered? by JE Dalen – Chest, 1991 – journal.chestnet.org
Agreement between SPECT V/Q scan and CT angiography in patients with high clinical suspicion of PE by R Mahdavi, J Caronia, J Fayyaz… – Annals of nuclear …, 2013 – Springer
