What is a scintigraphy?
Scintigraphy is an examination method from the field of nuclear medicine: The patient is injected with low-level radioactive substances as a drug for diagnostic purposes. There are two types of these so-called radiopharmaceuticals:
- Some radioactive substances are administered directly. An example of such radionuclides is radioactive iodine, which migrates primarily into the thyroid gland.
In the target tissue, the radiopharmaceutical accumulates especially at sites with high metabolic activity and good blood circulation. It decays by emitting so-called gamma rays, which are measured by a special camera (gamma camera). A computer then calculates an image of the examined body region (scintigram).
With the help of scintigraphy, a variety of different tissues can be examined, such as bones, the thyroid gland or the heart muscle.
Further information: Bone scintigraphy
The procedure is particularly suitable for examining bones. Read more about it in the article Bone scintigraphy.
Further information: Thyroid scintigraphy
Further information: Myocardial Scintigraphy
Myocardial scintigraphy allows a doctor to check the condition of the heart muscle (myocardium). Read more about it in the article Myocardial Scintigraphy.
Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (octreotide scintigraphy).
SPECT and SPECT/CT
SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) is a further development of the procedure in which several gamma cameras move around the patient. Thus, in contrast to normal “planar” scintigraphy, three-dimensional cross-sectional images can be generated.
When do you perform a scintigraphy?
In contrast to other imaging methods such as computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scintigraphy provides information about the activity of tissue. Since tumors often exhibit increased metabolic activity, scintigraphy is used particularly frequently in cancer medicine. In addition, there are other possible applications for the nuclear medicine procedure, such as:
- Examination of kidney function (for example, if renal artery stenosis is suspected)
- Examination of blood flow and ventilation of the lungs if pulmonary embolism is suspected (perfusion-ventilation scintigraphy of the lungs)
- Clarification of diseases or injuries of bones (such as infections, osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, tumors, fractures)
- Functional testing of the heart muscle (such as after a heart attack or in coronary heart disease)
What is done during a scintigraphy?
The scintigraphy is performed by a specialized physician, a nuclear medicine specialist. He or she will have a detailed discussion with you before the examination. He will inform you about the advantages and risks of the examination and ask you about previous illnesses and regular medication.
The examination itself is completely painless. In contrast to a CT or MRI examination, you do not have to go into a “tube” for a normal scintigraphy, as the gamma camera can move freely.
What are the risks of scintigraphy?
Side effects associated with scintigraphy are very rare. The radiopharmaceutical administered may cause a temporary feeling of heat, skin reactions (itching, redness, etc.), a metallic taste in the mouth, or mild nausea.
In the long term, there is a certain health risk due to radiation exposure. However, the radiation exposure is low (comparable to that of an X-ray). In addition, the body quickly excretes the radioactive substance. Exactly how high the health risk from radiation is depends primarily on the type and amount of radiopharmaceutical used and the region of the body examined.
What do I have to pay attention to after a scintigraphy?
Immediately after the scintigraphy, you will emit a slight radioactive radiation. Therefore, you should avoid close contact with pregnant women, nursing mothers and small children for a few hours.
