Royal Brompton adds SPECT/CT for faster acquisition

Royal Brompton Hospital has become London’s first hospital to install a Spectrum Dynamics Veriton-CT whole-body scanner, featuring 360° CZT ring SPECT technology. The scanner is said to deliver superior sensitivity and energy resolution compared to traditional gamma cameras.

“As one of the UK’s largest heart and lung centres, in partnership with Harefield Hospital, this technology is expected to transform its clinical services,” says Spectrum. “With faster scan times and streamlined workflows, the Veriton-CT is projected to increase patient capacity by at least 20 per cent within its first year, enabling the nuclear medicine department to accommodate more referrals across London. Its applications span cardiopulmonary imaging and other nuclear medicine procedures.”

At the opening ceremony, Dr Wechalekar credited the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals’ Charity for supporting this milestone. She praised the scanner’s ability to enhance patient experience, optimise treatments and support pioneering research in imaging for the heart, lungs and other organs.

The 360° CZT ring technology introduces capabilities such as dual-isotope imaging, absolute uptake quantification and optimised protocols for reduced radiation or faster scans. Since its installation in August 2024, the scanner has already demonstrated significant benefits. Adult patients have undergone simultaneous lung VQ SPECT/CT imaging in eight minutes, while paediatric 3D lung scans can be completed in under two minutes.

Picture: lead consultant for nuclear medicine Dr Kshama Wechalekar is pictured with members of the Royal Brompton Hospital nuclear medicine team and representatives from Spectrum Dynamics Medical.

Read this report on the front page of the February 2025 issue of RAD Magazine.