THYROID SCAN (with Tc99m free pertechnetate) including Tc99m thyroid uptake
Indications
Evaluation of hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and tumors, ectopic thyroid tissue, subacute thyroiditis (diagnosis and follow up), retrosternal goitre, assessment of gland size before treatment with 131 I for thyrotoxicosis, congenital hypothyroidism.
Preparation
If patient is taking Thyroxine - T4 cessation for at least 5 weeks. If patient treated with PTU or Carbimazole cessation of treatment for 3 days. Thyroid fails to be seen after medicines containing iodine (including Amiodarone) and after X-ray investigations with contrast injections for at least 8 weeks - therefore thyroid scan should be ordered as the first necessary examination.
Newborn baby (6d old) with high TSH and lingual thyroid.