Name of the Procedure:

Radiopharmaceutical Localization of Tumor, Inflammatory Process or Distribution of Radiopharmaceutical Agent(s) (includes vascular flow and blood pool imaging, when performed); Planar, Whole Body, Requiring 2 or More Days Imaging
Common names: Nuclear Medicine Scan, Radionuclide Imaging, Planar Whole Body Scan

Summary:

This procedure involves using a small amount of radioactive material called a radiopharmaceutical to create images of the entire body over the course of two or more days. It helps to identify tumors, inflammation, or how the radiopharmaceutical distributes within the body, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various conditions.

Purpose:

• Conditions Addressed: Tumors, infections, inflammatory diseases, and abnormal tissue growths.
• Goals and Outcomes: The goal is to detect and localize abnormal processes within the body. The images obtained can help in planning treatment, monitoring therapy response, and providing a precise diagnosis.

Indications:

• Symptoms and Conditions: Suspicious masses or tumors, unexplained inflammation, persistent infections, or identifying metastasis of known cancers.
• Patient Criteria: Patients presenting with symptoms of malignancy, unexplained inflammatory conditions, or those undergoing cancer treatment evaluation.

Preparation:

• Instructions: Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure and should avoid certain medications.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests or other imaging studies might be needed before the procedure to provide a complete assessment.

Procedure Description:

1. Initial Consultation: Patients are evaluated and given information about the procedure.
2. Radiopharmaceutical Administration: An injection of the radiopharmaceutical agent is administered intravenously.
3. Imaging Sessions: Over the next two or more days, the patient returns for multiple imaging sessions using a gamma camera to capture images of the radiopharmaceutical distribution.
4. Flow and Blood Pool Imaging: These additional imaging steps may be performed to assess vascular flow and blood pool distribution.
5. Completion: Final images are reviewed by a radiologist or nuclear medicine specialist.

Equipment: Gamma camera, radiopharmaceutical agents, IV access supplies.

Anesthesia: Not required, as the procedure is non-invasive and painless.

Duration:

The entire process spans over two or more days, with each imaging session lasting about 1-2 hours.

Setting:

Performed in a hospital's nuclear medicine department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel:

• Nuclear medicine technologists
• Radiologists
• Nurses
• Sometimes a nuclear medicine physician is involved

Risks and Complications:

• Common Risks: Very low radiation exposure, some discomfort at injection sites.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reactions to the radiopharmaceutical, infection at the injection site.

Benefits:

• Expected Benefits: Early and precise detection of malignancies, infections, or inflammatory diseases, guiding effective treatment planning.
• Timeline: Results and benefits are typically realized soon after the imaging is reviewed by the medical team.

Recovery:

• Post-Procedure Care: Minimal care required; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Recovery Time: No significant recovery time needed.
• Follow-Up: Possible follow-up appointments to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives:

• Other Options: CT scans, MRI, PET scans, and ultrasound.
• Comparison: Alternative imaging modalities might not provide the same level of detail in understanding the distribution of radioactive material but are useful depending on the clinical scenario.

Patient Experience:

• During the Procedure: The patient experiences minimal discomfort, mainly during the injection. The imaging process is painless and the patient must remain still during images.
• After the Procedure: Minor discomfort from the injection site might persist, but no significant pain or discomfort should be expected.