| Abstract: | During the first years of life, the human brain undergoes repetitive modifications in its anatomical, functional and synaptic construction to reach the complex functional organization of the adult central nervous system. Over the last decade, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have provided further insight into these maturation processes. This article reviews clinical and research applications of PET and SPECT in childhood disorders, with an emphasis on the specific contribution of these techniques in improving our knowledge about the pathophysiology of the developing brain. |
