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Alternative names Return to top
Adrenal medullary imagingDefinition Return to top
This is a nuclear scan test that uses injected radioactive material (radioisotope) and a special scanner to locate or confirm pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).How the test is performed Return to top
A radioisotope (MIBG, iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) is injected into a vein. Later that day (or the next day) you are asked to lie on a table which is placed under the arm of the scanner. The abdomen is scanned. You may be asked to return for repeated scans for 1 to 3 days. Each scan takes 1 to 2 hours.How to prepare for the test Return to top
Lugol's iodine solution may be given before the test as well as after administration of the radioisotope.How the test will feel Return to top
There is a sharp needle prick when the material is injected. The radioisotope is not felt by the body, and the scan causes no sensation, but the table may be cold or hard. You must lie still during the scan.Why the test is performed Return to top
To confirm pheochromocytoma, particularly when a CT scan is negative or inconclusive, or if multiple tumors or an extra-adrenal (not within the adrenal gland) tumor is suspected.Normal Values Return to top
Normal values indicate localized areas of increased uptake of the radioisotope.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Most often, this test is used to locate pheochromocytoma. It may be particularly useful to detect multiple tumors or tumors that are located in extra-adrenal tissues.What the risks are Return to top
The risks are essentially the same as for X-rays (radiation) and for needle pricks.
There is some exposure to radiation from the radioisotope. The radioisotope contains iodine, so precautions (such as administration of Lugol's solution) are used to prevent excessive uptake by the thyroid. There is significant exposure of the adrenal gland to radiation.
This test should not be performed on pregnant women because of the danger to the fetus from radiation.
Any time the body is penetrated (such as with a needlestick), there is a risk of infection. Injection into a vein also carries a slight risk of bleeding. The risk is no greater for this scan than for intravenous injection of any sort.
Special considerations Return to top
The radioisotope is costly and may not be available in all medical facilities. The person must be able to return for delayed images (1 to 3 days). Update Date: 10/17/2003 Updated by: Jeffrey Brown, M.D., Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |