spect scan

My father just had a spect scan and it showed diminished blood flow to posterior and parietal regions of brain.  The doctors are trying to figure out why he is lethargic and at times unresponsive (although he has moments of clarity).  The day of the scan his sodium was 149 and BUN 28- he was dehydrated.  Can this lead to the above findings or can it influence the findings.  Also what do these findings mean.  Thank you.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

These findings of diminished blood flow signifies a possible problem in the arteries supplying those areas.  This can be due to atherosclerosis or thickening of the arterial wall causing impedance to blood flow.  This in turn can be due to systemic problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  Treatment would entail addressing these through control of blood pressure and lowering of cholesterol through medications and lifestyle modifications (low fat diet and exercise).  The dehydration may have played only a very small role in this (as low body water can also lead to sluggish blood movement through the blood vessels).

Regards.

[char43]

What type of doc orders spect scans of the brain?