Technetium (Tc-99m) thyroid scintigraphy
Thyroid gland scintigraphy is used to evaluate the thyroid gland size, form, position and function. The study makes use of radioactive technetium isotope (Tc-99m). The scan is performed in one phase, thus only one visit to the clinic is required.
Indications for the treatment:
- Graves-Basedow disease
- hyperthyroidism in the multinodular toxic goiter
- autonomous thyroid nodules
- large euthyroid goiter
Contraindications:
Pregnancy and breast feeding.
How should I prepare for the scan?
- stop taking thyrostatic drugs (Metizol, Propycil, Thyrozol) about 5 days before the radioiodine treatment, unless your nuclear medicine doctor advises otherwise,
- stop taking thyroid hormones (Euthyrox, Letrox, Eltroxin) about 1 month before the scan,
- stop taking iodine-containing medicines 2 months before the scan,
- other medication can be taken as usual, provided it contains no iodine,
- avoid undergoing any examinations with iodinated contrast media 6 months before the scan,
- bring all the medical records regarding your illness with you, i.e. recent diagnostics records such as ultrasound, thyroid biopsy, thyroid blood test results (TSH, FT3, FT4).
How is the scan performed?
-
Only one visit to the clinic is required.
The patient receives an intravenous injection of the radiopharmaceutical. Scintigraphic images are recorded 20-30 minutes after the isotope administration. The scan is performed in the supine position and takes about 10 minutes.
What do I need to do after the scan?
- void contact with children and pregnant women for 24 h,
- increase fluid intake to speed up tracer elimination,