Name of the Procedure:

Radiopharmaceutical Localization of Inflammatory Process; Whole Body

Summary

This procedure involves using a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radiopharmaceutical, to detect and locate inflammation in the body. It is a type of nuclear medicine scan that provides detailed images of inflammation.

Purpose

The procedure is used to identify areas of inflammation in the body, which can help diagnose conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory disorders. The goal is to pinpoint the exact locations of inflammation to guide treatment.

Indications

• Unexplained fever
• Suspected infections that are difficult to locate
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Monitoring inflammatory conditions
• Evaluating treatment response for inflammatory diseases

Preparation

• Refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure.
• Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking; some may need to be temporarily stopped.
• A blood test may be required to assess kidney function and ensure the body can safely process the radiopharmaceutical.

Procedure Description

1. A small amount of radiopharmaceutical is injected into a vein in your arm.
2. You will be asked to wait for several hours to allow the substance to travel through your bloodstream and accumulate in areas of inflammation.
3. You will lie down on a scanning table, and a special camera (gamma camera) will be used to take images of your body.
4. The camera detects the radiopharmaceutical and creates detailed images that highlight areas of inflammation.
5. The entire scanning process takes about an hour.

Duration

The whole procedure, including the waiting time, typically takes 3 to 6 hours.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital's nuclear medicine department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Nuclear medicine physician
• Radiologic technologist
• Nurses

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to a small amount of radiation
• Allergic reaction to the radiopharmaceutical (rare)
• Discomfort at the injection site

Benefits

• Accurate detection and localization of inflammation
• Non-invasive with minimal discomfort
• Provides critical information for diagnosis and treatment planning
• Results are typically available promptly after the scan

Recovery

• Most patients can resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radiopharmaceutical from your body.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results with your doctor.

Alternatives

• CT scan or MRI: May not be as effective in detecting certain inflammatory conditions.
• Ultrasound: Generally used for localized areas of concern rather than whole-body scanning.

Patient Experience

You may feel a small pinch when the radiopharmaceutical is injected, and lying still for the scan may be slightly uncomfortable. Rest assured, pain management and comfort measures are taken to ensure a safe and tolerable experience.