Scintigraphy

Thyroid scintigraphy

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck, in front of the trachea, whose function and anatomy can be easily explored using scintigraphy.

Myocardial scintigraphy

This is an examination that shows the perfusion of the heart muscle (myocardium).

Bone scan

Bone scintigraphy highlights diseased areas characterised by increased osteoblastic metabolism (bone under construction).

It can be used to diagnose fractures, sports-related pathologies (fissures, periostitis), algodystrophy, inflammatory diseases of the skeleton, and primary or secondary bone tumours (metastases).

Renal scintigraphy

Renal scintigraphy is indicated in:

• diagnosing pyelonephritis
• looking for scarring after pyelonephritis
• assessing urine flow (congenital malformations, obstruction, etc.).

Lung scintigraphy

Lung scintigraphy involves exploring the pulmonary circulation and/or pulmonary ventilation.

There are two techniques:

1. Ventilation lung scintigraphy, which is performed by inhalation of a gas or aerosol,
2. Perfusion lung scintigraphy, which is performed by intravenous injection.

It is used to detect and monitor acute pulmonary embolism, thromboembolic disease (recurrent pulmonary embolism), ...

Cerebral scintigraphy

Cerebral perfusion scintigraphy reflects the functioning of neurons.

This examination is indicated for patients who have suffered vascular accidents, or patients with memory problems.

Datscan examination provides images of the distribution of dopamine transporters in patients with Parkinson's syndromes.

The examination takes place in several stages, depending on the area to be explored.

• Radiolabelled molecules that emit radiation and are specific to the organ to be studied are usually administered intravenously, or sometimes orally.
• After the injection, it is often necessary to wait a certain amount of time before taking the images.
• You are encouraged to drink and empty your bladder frequently during this wait, to encourage urinary elimination.
• The device used is called a ‘gamma camera’. It is silent and does not touch you, even though it moves very close to you to obtain good quality images. The camera is open, so you don't have to enter a tunnel.

You may bring someone with you. However, as in all departments located in controlled areas, they will not be able to accompany you into the examination room.

It is not advisable to bring young children if they are not the ones being examined.

If the examination concerns a child, he or she may be accompanied by a parent for the duration of the examination. Young children may keep their cuddly toys.

No, because you will only receive a very small amount of radioactivity.

The radiation received is comparable to that of an X-ray examination.

The radiation produced by this injection is comparable to the radiation from natural sources (sun, earth, dwellings) for one year.

The number of images taken does not increase the patient's irradiation.

The substances injected are non-toxic and do not cause allergies.

Everyone, including infants and the elderly.

If you are pregnant or have a late period, you must tell the staff before the injection.

If you are breastfeeding, you should also inform the staff. You will be informed if and for how long breast-feeding must be interrupted.

You will need to bring your examination application and any administrative documents that identify you (identity card, etc.).

You will be able to resume all your activities, including work.

We recommend that you drink plenty of water. The little radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally.

You are simply advised to avoid close contact (less than 1m) and prolonged contact (more than 30 minutes) with anyone, especially young children (under 10) and pregnant women, for the rest of the day

• If your prescribing doctor is a member of CHIREC, they can consult your results in the computer system a few hours after your examination.
• If your prescribing doctor is not a member of CHIREC, they will receive your results by post or electronically.