scintigrafi

Scintigrafi, or scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses radiopharmaceuticals and gamma cameras to visualize physiological processes in the body. After intravenous administration, the radiopharmaceutical distributes in tissues according to biological function, and gamma rays emitted by the tracer are detected to create images. The technique provides functional information that complements anatomical imaging.

Imaging modalities in scintigraphy include planar scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Planar imaging produces two-dimensional views, while SPECT acquires multiple angles to reconstruct three-dimensional images, improving localization and contrast. Often, SPECT is combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) to provide anatomical context for the functional data.

Common radiopharmaceuticals and indications reflect the organ systems studied. Technetium-99m (99mTc) labeled compounds dominate the field. 99mTc-based bone scans (e.g., MDP) assess skeletal pathology; thyroid scans use 99mTc-pertechnetate; myocardial perfusion imaging relies on 99mTc-sestamibi or tetrofosmin; renal scintigraphy uses 99mTc-DTPA or MAG3; hepatobiliary imaging employs 99mTc-mebrofenin; and lung perfusion scans use 99mTc-labeled macroaggregated albumin. Additional agents include radiolabeled white blood cells for infection/inflammation and neuroendocrine tumor imaging with specific tracers such as 111In-pentetreotide.

Safety and limitations are important considerations. Scintigraphy involves exposure to ionizing radiation, typically at low to moderate doses, and is contraindicated in certain pregnancy situations depending on the tracer. The technique provides excellent functional information but has limited detailed anatomy; combining with CT or MRI can mitigate this limitation. Scintigraphy is widely used in oncology, cardiology, nephrology, and other areas to diagnose, stage, and monitor disease.