Range of examinations
Thyroid scintigraphy
Thyroid scintigraphy is an imaging procedure for depicting thyroid size, anatomy and function. After intravenous administration of Tc-99m pertechnetate, it is possible to detect thyroid regions accumulating this agent to a greater or lesser degree.
Together with ultrasound examination and determination of thyroid hormone levels, scintigraphy is used for diagnostic investigation of different thyroid diseases:
- In the case of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): e.g. in the case of autonomy or Basedow disease
- In the case of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): e.g. in the case of Hashimoto disease or other thyroid inflammations
- Goitre or struma (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
- Clarification of unclear thyroid nodules: e.g. thyroid carcinoma or benign nodules.
Fine-needle biopsy (tissue removal using a very fine needle) is performed in order to rule out a malignant disease (in the case of cold nodules or in the case of certain types of thyroid inflammation).
To ensure sufficient uptake of pertechnetate in the thyroid and thus a conclusive diagnosis, the intake of thyroid medications (e.g. Jodthyox®, Euthyrox®, L-Thyroxin®, etc.) should be discontinued approx. 3 to 4 weeks before the examination. It may be necessary to consult your family physician about this. Furthermore, neither high doses of iodine ( e.g. iodinated contrast agent as part of a computed tomography or a cardiac catheter examination) should have been administered nor iodine-containing medications should have been taken for a period of 3 to 6 months prior to a thyroid scintigraphy.
The examination duration of a thyroid scintigraphy is approx. 1 hour. The examination can only be performed by appointment.
Thyroid puncture
Unidentified nodules in the thyroid can often only be identified and a final diagnosis provided by removing a small tissue sample and having it examined by pathologists.
The tissue samples are removed using ultrasound guidance. Once the tissue samples have been processed by the pathologists, we will be able to make a reliable diagnosis of the type of nodule and a decision about how to proceed.
Thyroid sonography (ultrasound examination) and thyroid scintigraphy are used as preliminary examinations prior to thyroid puncture.
Certain blood thinning medications (e.g. acetyl salicylic acid, aspirin, heparin) should be discontinued before the examination.
Patients taking phenprocoumon (Marcumar) may only undergo thyroid puncture after switching to heparin or in cases of an INR (Quick value) under 50%.
Patients with blood clotting disorders may not undergo thyroid puncture.
Modern research method
Imaging is carried out using a state-of-the-art "double-head camera", which enables particularly fast and precise images of the organs. For the examination, a radiopharmaceutical is introduced into the body in extremely small quantities, which thus participates in the body's metabolism and serves as a contrast medium. In this way, metabolic processes in the living body can be examined.
Concentrated knowledge and experience
The challenge in nuclear medicine is to bring together the modalities, to assess the appearance of organs in conventional radiological diagnostics and the function of the organs from a nuclear medicine point of view. Therefore, all of our experts in nuclear medicine are also specialists in diagnostic radiology.
We are here for you.
At our various locations, we are at your disposal in the competence area for nuclear medical diagnostics: with detailed advice, precise examinations and precise diagnoses.
Do you have questions about nuclear medicine examinations? We are happy to help. Call us on: 089 550 596 0 or write to us using our contact form.