Why can be used to treat thyroid cancer if it appears as a cold nodule on thyroid scintigraphy? Although a cold nodule on thyroid scintigraphy does not appear to take up any of the radioactive iodine, its inactive appearance is in comparison to the background activity of the normal gland. Thyroid cancer cells generally take …
What are the typical radiation safety precautions you need to follow after Iodine 131 therapy? For approximately 5 days (each institution may have its own specific timeframe), patients treated with 131 I must do the following: sleep alone, if possible; avoid kissing and sexual intercourse; minimize time with pregnant women and young children; minimize close contact with others; …
Typical radiation safety precautions you need to follow after Iodine 131 therapy Read More »
Why is a patient with a hot nodule in the thyroid gland more likely to end up euthyroid? Patients with hot nodules have a higher likelihood of ending up euthyroid because the hot nodule typically causes suppression of the remainder of the thyroid gland. This suppression protects the gland from 131 I therapy. When the nodule is …
Why is a patient with a hot nodule in the thyroid gland more likely to end up euthyroid Read More »
What are possible outcomes after Iodine 131 therapy for Graves disease? There are three possible outcomes: 1. A patient may be hypothyroid if the dose is sufficient to destroy most of the thyroid tissue and function. 2. A patient may be euthyroid if the dose diminishes the function of the thyroid gland, but there is sufficient activity to …
Possible outcomes after Iodine 131 therapy for Graves disease Read More »
Can a patient with normal thyroid gland iodine 123 uptake still have Graves disease? The iodine uptake refers to the activity of the gland and not to whether the patient is hyperthyroid. Although a patient may have normal scan results and uptake values, if the thyroid function tests indicate that the patient is hyperthyroid, then …
Can a patient with normal thyroid gland iodine 123 uptake still have Graves disease Read More »
What are normal thyroid scan and iodine uptake results? Thyroid images are obtained 24 hours after the administration of 123 I or approximately 30 minutes after 99m Tc pertechnetate. The gland should appear uniform throughout with smooth contours. The isthmus and pyramidal lobes can be observed, although they are more commonly seen in patients with Graves’ disease. Iodine uptake …
Which radioisotopes can be used for nuclear medicine imaging of the thyroid gland, and how do they compare physiologically? The most common radiotracers used in thyroid scintigraphy are the various isotopes of iodine. 123 I is the most commonly used isotope because of its excellent image quality and relatively low radiation exposure. Isotopes 125 I and 127 I are not typically …
Which radioisotopes can be used for nuclear medicine imaging of the thyroid gland Read More »