scintigraphische

Scintigraphic imaging, or scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine technique that visualizes the physiological distribution of radiopharmaceuticals within the body. The approach relies on radiopharmaceuticals that emit gamma rays; after administration, the radiotracer accumulates in tissues according to function, and a gamma camera records the emitted photons to generate images.

Imaging modalities include planar scintigraphy, which provides two-dimensional images, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which acquires tomographic data to reconstruct three-dimensional images. Hybrid systems that combine SPECT with CT or PET-CT offer anatomical context to functional findings.

Common radiopharmaceuticals and targets: Technetium-99m labeled compounds (e.g., MDP for bone, pertechnetate for thyroid, sestamibi for myocardial perfusion), iodine-131 for thyroid imaging and therapy, sulfur colloid for liver/spleen, DMSA for kidneys. Indications include bone metastases and fractures; thyroid disorders; myocardial ischemia; hepatobiliary disorders; renal function; lung perfusion imaging in suspected pulmonary embolism; and sentinel lymph node mapping in cancer.

Advantages and limitations: Scintigraphy provides high sensitivity for functional information, relatively low cost, and rapid acquisition, but has limited spatial resolution and involves exposure to ionizing radiation. Safety relies on standard radioprotection practices; the cumulative dose depends on the radiopharmaceutical used and the clinical protocol.

Origin and terminology: The German adjective scintigraphische corresponds to scintigraphic in English and is used to describe procedures and findings in German-language texts. In English, the terms scintigraphy or scintigraphic imaging are standard.