US THYROID ELASTOGRAPHY

Thyroid Scan Overview

Thyroid scans are somewhat similar to x rays in their usage but unlike x rays, they are more advanced, enter into the nuclear medicine sphere. Activities of the thyroid that exist in most cases as a result of an enlarged thyroid or goiter will necessitate the use of iodine scanning which entails the absorption of traces of iodine that will eventually diffuse through the neck and into the thyroid area. A thyroid scan uses the combination of a photo and a film to create a more vivid picture of the thyroid in case it requires close monitoring. 

In instances where a squeezable plastic syringe is set to pump when pulled, a pulmonologist will inject a thyoid scan tracer underneath the patients skin. 

Before having a scan done, certain iodine-rich foods need to be avoided such as dietary supplements as well as some medications which may inhibit the performance of certain scans. 

What is a Thyroid Scan? 

Thyroid scans utilize nuclear medicine technology to perform a scan of the thyroid and take pictures using gamma cameras that focus on identifying abnormalities in the neck area. Also, clues on features of possible cancerous areas due to physiologic dysfunction could be detected. It is often the case that iodine 123 or technetium 99m are the areas that have the highest concentration during a thyroid scan as they are believed to be capable of delivering the best results. 

Thyroid scanning employs specialized imaging technology distinct from other forms of nuclear medicine such that this type of thyroid imaging does not require any harm to be inflicted on the person who is being scanned. 

Types of Thyroid Scans 

Thyroid scans are broadly classified into two categories depending on the radioactive material utilized for the scans: 

• Iodine-123 scan: It is employed in the assessment of thyroid homeostasis particularly for ‘uptake’ studies because the thyroid assimilates iodine. 
• Technetium-99 Scan: Offers rapid imaging however, it is useful where iodine uptake cannot be performed. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Thyroid Scan

There are multiple parameters that are followed by relevant health care professionals when performing thyroid scan in a patient including: 

• Thyroid uptake percentage: Used to determine the amount of radioactive material that is absorbed or used by thyroid gland. 
• Nodular scan: The measurement of the structure in relation to nodules that may be present. 
• Pictures of blood arteries: To detect hot spots or cold spots in order to confirm whether the activity is more or less in the tissue. 

Tweaks may be done depending on the age of the patient, use of medicines and other ailments that a patient may have. 

Reasons for Taking a Thyroid Scan

Thyroid scan is one of the scans which aids in various cases, some of them are: 

• Hyperthyroid condition identification: Gathers an image of the sites of hyper active thyroid tissue . 
• Thyroid gland changes assessment: Looking through nodule of thyroid target tissue and its activity. 
• Thyroid carcinoma assessment: Analyzes any remaining thyroid tissue that has not been targeted by surgery, treatment or follow-up. 
• Intervention via imaging: Assesses whether medication for a thyroid illness has been effective. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

A thyroid scan has a great number of advantages: 

• Non invasive procedure: Accurate images are obtained without requiring any operations or invasive procedures. 
• Useful diagnostic aid: This imaging scans assists in conducting accurate evaluations and diagnoses of any pathological changes related to thyro glands. 
• Functional assessment: This study evaluates the functional capability of the thyroid gland over a period of time. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Thyroid Scan

Graves' disease as well as thyroid scans are diagnosed and treated together. A thyroid scan is used to help in determining the following conditions; 

• Thyroid goiter: Which is a growth of the thyroid and excess secretions of thyroid hormones. 
• Thyroid inflammation nodules: To help assess the levels of excess hormone production by the nodules that contain thyroid tissue. 
• Thyroiditis: Elevates above the normal range with a greater sense of thyroid tissue inflammation. 
• Cancerous growths on the thyroid: Assists in the detection of the presence of malignancies in them. 

Preparing for a Thyroid Scan

Within the theatre though and gown up patients should follow certain guidelines during a thyroid scan which include; 

• Dietary restrictions: No sea food or items with dairy should be consumed for at least a week preceding the scan. 
• Medication intake changes: The patient should be instructed and informed by the medical practitioner to stop taking thyroid medicine. 

Pre-requisites 

• Fasting protocol: Ordinarily, fasting is not a must, but different places may have different rules. 
• Absence of iodine supplements: Patients may need to refrain from iodine tablets and certain medications which contain iodine. 

Optimal Timing for Taking the Thyroid Scan 

There are no time constraints for taking a scan, however, it is essential to factor in when the medications were taken or how the diet has been adjusted. It would be advisable to stick to the time period recommended by the treating doctor. 

Qualifications 

• Recommended for: Anyone displaying symptoms of thyroid defect/abnormality or status of a previous thyroid patient. 
• Contraindications: Not safe for consumption by a sex None for lactating and pregnant women unless pros outweigh cons. 

Preparations to be Done Before Admission for Thyroid Scan 

1. Radioactive tracer intake: Depending on the isotope, the patient can swallow, inject, or inhale the tracer. 
2. Waiting Period: This is done to allow for absorption of the tracer by the thyroid. 
3. Gamma camera imaging: The person undergoing the procedure is asked to lie on the examination table with a gamma camera above him capturing images of the thyroid area. 
4. Scan Duration: Usually the scan lasts between half an hour to an hour. 

Things to Know Prior to the Test 

Patients should: 

• Notify technician all the allergies, medications and even health concerns currently being dealt with. 
• Bring up a possible pregnancy or breastfeeding with the practitioner.