Toxic Multinodular Goitre
Left Inferior Parathyroid Adenoma
Thyroid scans are used to diagnose patients with overactivity of the thyroid gland. They identify areas of the gland which are producing too much thyroid hormone, and are the best imaging tool in patients with thyrotoxicosis. They can also be used to assess the functional state of thyroid nodules. The tracer used is Technetium-99m pertechnetate. Scans of the neck are obtained 20 minutes after injection. There are no side effects, and the injection is safe even in patients with kidney disease.
This scan requires special preparation:
• Stop propylthiouracil and carbimazole for 3 days
• Stop thyroxine for 2 to 4 weeks (in consultation with the referring doctor)
• No contrast or ‘dye’ injections for 3 weeks (eg. CT scans, angiograms, IVPs)
All thyroid scans are bulk-billed.
Parathyroid scans are usually performed in patients with elevated calcium levels. The parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating calcium balance in the body. Occasionally the glands may malfunction and overproduce parathyroid hormone.
No preparation is required for this scan. Previous relevant ultrasound scans should be brought for comparison. Technetium-99m sestamibi is used as the imaging agent. There are no side effects, and the injection may be used even in patients with kidney disease.
All parathyroid scans are bulk-billed.