Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT of the brain in the neonate.

A brain scan with Tc-99m hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime (HMPAO) performed on a neonate demonstrated normal localization only in the sensorimotor cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. This pattern of localization is remarkably similar to previously published PET images of the neonate. Because Tc-99m HMPAO is readily available and has biochemical and physical characteristics that are suitable for perfusion imaging of the brain, it likely will become a major imaging agent in nuclear medicine. Normal scan findings in the neonatal age group with Tc-99m HMPAO have not been previously reported because of limited clinical use to date.