Analysis of HMPAO SPECT scans in head injury using Statistical Parametric Mapping.

Abstract:

The paper examines the ability of Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) to contribute towards the quantitative analysis of HMPAO SPECT images containing lesions. A validation study is described in which SPECT images were created that contained synthetic lesions and were analysed with SPM. The study established a set of guidelines concerning the alignment, smoothing, and statistical analysis of images. These were then applied to analysis of SPECT scans from head injured patients. A demonstration is given of the use of SPM to identify localised blood flow abnormalities associated with cognitive deficits after head injury. Correlations between blood flow abnormalities and a test of visual memory are illustrated.