Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Radioiodine Scan, Iodine-123 Scan
• Technical Terms: Iodine I-123 Sodium Iodide Diagnostic Scan

Summary

An Iodine I-123 sodium iodide scan is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive iodine to evaluate thyroid function and detect abnormalities in thyroid gland architecture.

Purpose

The primary aim is to assess the thyroid gland for conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer. The procedure helps in determining whether the thyroid is functioning properly and if there are any structural abnormalities.

Indications

The procedure is recommended for patients who exhibit symptoms such as:

• Unexpected weight changes
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Palpitations
• Swelling in the neck area

It is also appropriate for patients with a history of thyroid disorders or those requiring detailed thyroid evaluation.

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a certain number of hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications, especially those affecting thyroid function, might need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued.
• Pre-procedure blood tests may be required to measure baseline thyroid hormone levels.

Procedure Description

1. The patient ingests a small dose of Iodine I-123 sodium iodide orally.
2. After allowing sufficient time for the iodine to accumulate in the thyroid gland (usually 4-24 hours), the patient lies down on a scanning table.
3. A gamma camera detects the radioactive emissions from the iodine, creating images of the thyroid.
4. The scan takes multiple "pictures" to provide a detailed view of the thyroid's function and structure.

No anesthesia or sedation is generally needed, as the procedure is non-invasive and painless.

Duration

The entire process from ingestion to completion of the scan can take several hours to a day, but the actual time spent in imaging is typically around 30-60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a nuclear medicine department within a hospital or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Radiologists or Nuclear Medicine Physicians

Risks and Complications

• The risks are minimal due to the small amount of radioactive iodine used.
• Allergic reactions are extremely rare.
• Possible but rare complications include soreness at the site of iodine ingestion.

Benefits

• Provides accurate and detailed images of thyroid activity.
• Helps in the timely diagnosis and treatment planning for thyroid disorders.
• Non-invasive and relatively quick procedure with minimal discomfort.

Recovery

• Patients can resume their normal activities almost immediately after the scan.
• Drinking fluids is encouraged to help flush the radioactive material through the urine.
• No specific downtime is required.

Alternatives

• Ultrasound of the thyroid can evaluate anatomical features but may not provide functional information.
• Blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels.
• Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy can evaluate nodules for malignancy.

Patient Experience

• Generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.
• Some patients might experience mild anxiety about the ingestion of radioactive material, though it's very low-risk.
• Pain management is typically not necessary, but any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.