The visualization of SPECT images (single photon emission computed tomography) with 99mTc (technetium) — HMPAO (hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime) is a reliable technique to evaluate the different patterns of cerebral regional blood flow.

The available studies show that cerebral SPECT is valid in discriminating individuals with Schizophrenia and healthy controls, having as gold standard a clinical diagnosis of a psychiatrist. In spite of this, the same studies reveal inconsistent changes in cerebral regional blood flow, particularly in frontal and temporal areas, in schizophrenic patients.

The authors make a review about the different results in studies with cerebral SPECT in Schizophrenia, in terms of changes in cerebral regional blood flow, with and without activation tasks. They enhance the actuality and importance of this issue, and reinforce the idea that functional neuroimaging techniques may be important in identifying pathophysiologic processes in Schizophrenia.