The radioisotope research method is used very often and plays an important role in the diagnosis of diseases of many organs and systems, helping to determine the degree of damage. It is mainly used to examine the genitourinary system and determine the features of its functioning.
The essence of the technique
The radioisotope research method is carried out with the introduction of a special contrast agent into the patient's body, which is then excreted with urine. When this drug passes through the desired organ, contrast pictures are taken. Any used contrast agent in its composition contains iodine, it is able to be absorbed by the tissues of organs, highlighting them.
On an ordinary
x-ray , it is difficult for doctors to distinguish the structure of organs, as well as to determine the presence of changes resulting from the course of diseases. After the administration of a contrast medium, the structure of the organs becomes clearly visible both on a conventional radiograph and during computed tomography.
Contrast material is administered intravenously, and sensors are fixed on the patient’s body, which record radiation in organs and blood.
Indications for the study
Radioisotope diagnostics are used for such purposes:
- identification of acute and chronic diseases;
- assessment of the state of organs in case of injury;
- diagnosis of organ structure disorders as a result of diseases;
- assessment of the state of the organ after transplantation.
In addition, a similar technique helps to identify existing violations of the outflow of urine, as well as blood circulation.
What areas of medicine are used
The radioisotope research method is based on the participation of radionuclides in the physiological processes of the body. While circulating along with lymph and blood, the injected contrast medium is retained in certain organs, and their speed and direction are recorded, as a result of which a diagnosis is made.
The radioisotope research method is used in gastroenterology and allows you to determine the position, functioning and size of the salivary glands, spleen, and also the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, you can consider the liver, evaluate its work, the peculiarity of its blood circulation, which is especially important:
- with chronic hepatitis;
- cirrhosis;
- malignant neoplasms.
Using a contrast medium, you can analyze the state of the pancreas, stomach with peptic ulcer and chronic gastroenteritis.
In hematology, this research method helps establish the presence of anemia. In cardiology, the movement of blood through the vessels and cavities of the heart muscle is visible. By the nature of the distribution of contrast medium in healthy and affected areas, a conclusion is drawn regarding the course of the disease.
The radioisotope method for studying the kidneys allows you to determine the feature of the functioning of this organ, the presence of various diseases, as well as the degree of damage. In neurology, this method is used to detect brain tumors, their nature, prevalence and localization.
With the advent of the radioisotope research method, completely new opportunities for oncology have appeared. By applying this diagnosis, it is possible at the initial stages to determine malignant neoplasms:
- intestines;
- lungs;
- nervous system;
- pancreas.
This makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and determine relapse. Moreover, you can see signs of bone metastases, which are detected several months earlier than x-rays.
Diagnostic preparation
The Center for Modern Medicine conducts a radioisotope study at the highest level with the use of modern means and drugs. It is necessary to visit the doctor in advance and negotiate with him all the nuances and features of this procedure. Certain preparation of the patient for radioisotope research methods is required. Renography requires the patient’s refusal to drink alcohol, and it is also necessary to adjust the intake of medications.
During the procedure, there should be absolutely no metal objects on the patient’s body. The introduction of a contrast agent should be carried out strictly on an empty stomach, since after the drug is ingested, nausea, fever, and also sweating may occur. Normally, the removal of contrast occurs within 24 hours.
If there is a need for a radioisotope study during pregnancy and children, then a few hours before the procedure, they should take potassium iodide in order to reduce the effect of dangerous drugs on the thyroid gland.
Feature of the
When carrying out the procedure at the Center for Contemporary Medicine, for example, a contrast agent is initially introduced into the patient's body. Then it is stacked so that you can get high-quality images. Usually, an initial examination of the posterior surface of the organ, and then the anterior, is performed.
From the very beginning, take pictures at a speed of 1 frame per second, and this happens for 1 minute. After that, the distribution of the drug by organs is evaluated. For this, the readings of the sensors are taken at a speed of 1 frame per minute, and so on for 20 minutes. The examination continues until the contrast is removed with the urine. If necessary, catheterization of the bladder is performed.
Deciphering the results
The maximum concentration of contrast medium is observed approximately 5 minutes after its administration, and after 30 minutes its concentration is significantly reduced, about 3 times. During this time, it is possible to evaluate the functioning of the organ under study, its location and the clarity of the internal structure. The presence of dark spots may indicate a pathological process.
During the diagnosis, the resulting images are evaluated in conjunction with the data in the renogram.
Precautionary measures
Indications and contraindications have radioisotope research methods, which is why it is necessary to take this into account, as there may be serious problems with the body. This method of examination is quite unsafe. A person receives a certain dose of radiation, so it can not be used during pregnancy, as well as children, without serious indications. In addition, its use is prohibited for patients with intolerance to iodine or seafood.
Some drugs, in particular, blood pressure reducing agents, as well as psychotropic drugs, can distort the results. You can not conduct more than one study per day, because otherwise, an excess of contrast medium in the blood can distort the results.
To ensure greater safety during diagnostic procedures, the patient should be in an office covered with protective panels. The contrast medium itself should be stored in special cabinets that prevent the spread of radiation.
Conducting a study in children
For children, this research technique is prescribed in the presence of renal failure, when other examination methods are uninformative or difficult to perform. Using a similar technique, it is possible to detect the earliest manifestations of the disease.
In children with serious impaired renal function, changes are immediately noticeable, and indicators of impairment in the blood increase sharply.