Scintigraphy (or a gamma scan) is a diagnostic imaging method used to evaluate organs and body systems condition. During this diagnostics radioisotopes drugs are injected intravenously. Then external detectors capture the emitted radiation and form a two-dimensional image.
Israel medicine is designed in such a way that scintigraphy can be prescribed by an Israeli doctor and performed in one of the largest hospitals in Israel, which has all the necessary professional medical equipment.
Unlike this method, computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) create 3-dimensional images and are classified as separate scintigraphy techniques. A scintigraphy scanning differs from these approaches as it has no external X-ray radiation to form an image.
Scintigraphy types
♦ Parathyroid scintigraphy is used to detect a parathyroid adenoma.
♦ Thyroid scintigraphy is used to find metastases. It also helps to evaluate a thyroid function. During this test, Isotopes of iodine-131 or technetium-99m are intravenously injected.
♦ Biliary scintigraphy (cholescintigraphy) or gastrointestinal scintigraphy that is performed to diagnose bile duct obstruction due to gallstones, tumors, or other causes. This method can also diagnose gallbladder disorders such as biliary fistula. During a cholescintigraphy, liver absorbs the injected radioactive drugs and secretes them into a bile. Next, radiopharmaceuticals enters the bile ducts, gallbladder, and intestines and external gamma probes capture an abdomen image.
♦ Heart scintigraphy or Myocardial Perfusion Scan. The thallium stress test is a form of scintigraphy where the amount of thallium-201 in the tissues correlates with the blood supply of heart. Viable cells have a normal exchange of K + and Na + ions. Thallium binds K + ions and transports them to heart cells. Physical exercise or dipyridamole induces dilation of normal coronary arteries. If Infarction or ischemic tissue are present, then these areas remain “cool” in the images and have redistribution of contrast substance. Thallium also marks areas that will benefit from myocardial revascularization.
♦ Lung scintigraphy is usually used to diagnose lung cancer. The most common appointment of this test is the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Less common appointment includes an evaluation before a lung transplantation, preoperative and right-to-left graft assessment.
♦ Bone scintigraphy (osteoscintigraphy) or bone scan is used to evaluate the physiological function of the bone. For example, when a fractures or metastases are in the bones there are usually increased concentration of radiopharmaceuticals in the image.
♦ Renal and urinary system scintigraphy.
♦ Whole body scintigraphy. Gallium, indium is used (scanning of leukocytes). Whole body scan detects adrenergic tissue and therefore it helps to locate tumors such as pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas.
Where is scintigraphy performed in Israel?
We work according to instruction of the leading doctor, ensuring the well-timed coordination, transfer to the hospital in Israel, interpretation and translation, as well as getting on-time your scintigraphy report.
As a rule, doctor prescribes such procedures in one of the big Israeli hospitals with all the necessary conditions and equipment to diagnose your disease. Scintigraphy may be performed in the Assuta Medical Center, Ramat Aviv, Ichilov, Sheba, Beilinson according to doctor’s indication.
You will be informed as soon as your report is available to the doctor requested the scintigraphic imaging.
Your treatment and follow-up period will be planned thoroughly at every step.
