Sestamibi scan

Sestamibi scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to examine the function of certain organs in the body. It is also known as a Technetium (99mTc) sestamibi scan or MIBI scan.

Procedure

The sestamibi scan involves the injection of a small amount of radioactive material, known as Technetium-99m, into the patient's bloodstream. This material is absorbed by certain types of tissues, including those in the heart and parathyroid glands. The patient is then scanned with a special camera that can detect the radiation emitted by the technetium-99m. This allows doctors to see how well the heart or parathyroid glands are functioning.

Uses

Sestamibi scans are used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions. They are most commonly used to evaluate the function of the heart and parathyroid glands. In cardiology, a sestamibi scan can help doctors diagnose coronary artery disease by showing how well blood is flowing to the heart. In endocrinology, a sestamibi scan can help doctors locate overactive parathyroid glands (a condition known as hyperparathyroidism).

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with a sestamibi scan. These include allergic reactions to the radioactive material, and the small risk of cancer from exposure to radiation. However, the amount of radiation used in a sestamibi scan is very small, and the benefits of the scan usually outweigh the risks.

See also

• Nuclear medicine
• Technetium-99m
• Coronary artery disease
• Hyperparathyroidism