The parathyroid glands are an important organ of the human endocrine system. They produce parathyroid hormones, which are responsible for the level of calcium in the blood, the state of bones and the excretion of phosphate by the kidneys. Impaired functioning of the glands leads to osteoporosis and the appearance of stones in the organs of excretion. One of the most informative methods for diagnosing such pathologies is scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands. What kind of examination is this? And where can I go? We will consider these issues in the article.
What it is
At the stage of preparation for scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands, radioisotopes are introduced into the patient's body. These substances are distributed and accumulate in the tissues of the body. Then the glands are scanned using special equipment. Radiations of introduced isotopes are recorded in a gamma camera. Data is displayed on the monitor. It turns out an image (scintigram), according to which the doctor can judge the condition of the parathyroid glands.
This study shows the size, structure and functional state of the organ, as well as the presence of nodes, seals and tumors. Healthy tissues freely pass and absorb isotopes. In the affected areas, radioactive substances accumulate very weakly.
Advantages and disadvantages of the procedure
Parathyroid scintigraphy is the most accurate diagnostic method. This research method has the following advantages:
- Scintigraphy not only shows the size and structure of the organ, but also helps to identify impaired gland function.
- This diagnostic method is safe. Radioisotopes quickly decay and are excreted through the kidneys within a day. Their radiation does not have a harmful effect on the body.
- At the stage of preparation for the study, radioactive drugs are used that have minimal side effects.
- Scintigraphy helps to detect parathyroid diseases in the early stages.
- The patient does not experience discomfort during the examination.
The disadvantages of the procedure include its high price. This is a much more expensive study than conventional ultrasound. In addition, the conduct of such diagnostics requires highly qualified medical staff.
Indications
Doctors prescribe parathyroid scintigraphy in the following cases:
- If the patient has signs of osteoporosis: thinning of bones, pain in the spine, frequent fractures.
- If the patient is diagnosed with stones in both kidneys.
- If a blood test showed an elevated level of parathyroid hormone.
- During treatment of hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands. Scintigraphy allows you to determine the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.
- If you suspect hyperplasia and tumors of the glands.
In the process of scintigraphy, an additional ultrasound examination is often performed. This helps to identify not only anatomical, but also functional disorders.
Contraindications
Parathyroid scintigraphy is contraindicated in the following categories of patients:
- children under the age of 1 year;
- pregnant women;
- weakened patients;
- allergy sufferers with increased sensitivity to radioisotopes;
- people weighing more than 150 kg.
In addition, the procedure can not be passed to nursing mothers, since radioisotopes penetrate into milk. However, if there is an urgent need, the doctor may prescribe scintigraphy during lactation. In this case, breastfeeding should be stopped for 24 hours. During this period, radioactive substances will leave the body.
Possible complications
In most cases, patients tolerate parathyroid scintigraphy. Side effects are rare. However, people with hypersensitivity to radioisotope drugs may experience allergic reactions, accompanied by the appearance of rashes on the skin and itching.
In addition, the introduction of isotopes before the examination can cause the following symptoms:
- facial redness;
- increase in blood pressure;
- tachycardia;
- frequent urination.
These manifestations are usually temporary and pass quickly.
How to prepare for the procedure
During preparation for scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands, it is necessary to stop taking medications containing iodine. This should be done approximately 30 days before the procedure. Doctors also recommend 1 month before the examination to exclude foods containing a large amount of iodine from the diet.
If the patient has already undergone other types of examinations using radionuclides, then scintigraphy can be done only after 3 months.
Technique
Scintigraphy is done in a special manipulation room. Before examination, the patient is injected subcutaneously or intravenously with radioisotope preparations.
Scanning is carried out three times:
- 10 minutes after the introduction of radionuclides;
- 2 hours after injection of drugs;
- 3 hours after the introduction of isotopes.
During the scan, the patient should lie still with his head back. Sometimes the patient cannot fulfill this condition due to old age or a weakened state. In such cases, it is necessary to warn the doctor in advance about your health.
Examination results can be obtained on hand 30 minutes after the last scan. It is important to remember that the patient after the introduction of isotopes is not particularly dangerous for other people. However, doctors recommend that patients avoid close contact with children and pregnant women within 24 hours after ingestion of radionuclides.
In the first day after the procedure, you should try to drink as much fluid as possible. This will help to quickly remove radioactive substances from the body.
In some cases, doctors prescribe repeated scintigraphy. Such an examination can be done only 2 months after the first procedure.
Clinics and prices
Where to do parathyroid scintigraphy? For this procedure, expensive equipment is needed, which is not in every clinic. Therefore, it is necessary to check with the doctor in advance the place of examination. Most often, diagnostics using radionuclides is carried out in medical institutions of the federal state and research level.
Where to make scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands in Moscow? In the capital, this study can be done in the following clinics:
- The diagnostic and treatment center of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Litovsky Boulevard, Building 1-a).
- The treatment and rehabilitation center of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Ivankovskoye Shosse, building 3).
- Scientific and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies of the FMBA of Russia (28 Orekhovy Boulevard).
- Medical Biophysical Center named after A.I. Burnazyan (Marshal Novikov street, 23).
- Academician V.I. Medical Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Kulakova (Academician Oparin Street, 4).
- Joint hospital with a clinic of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation (Michurinsky Prospekt, 6).
- National Medical Center for Children's Health (Lomonosov Avenue, Building 2, Building 1).
- A.A. Military Clinical Hospital Vishnevsky (Moscow region, Krasnogorsk district, Arkhangelsk, the village of New).
The price of the procedure varies from 3200 to 6000 rubles. You can find out the exact cost of diagnosis by contacting one of the above clinics.
Often patients ask the question: "Can scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands be done in Moscow for free?" There is such an opportunity. To do this, you need to contact one of the above medical institutions and present the following documents:
- referral from the attending endocrinologist;
- compulsory medical insurance policy;
- document confirming registration in the city of Moscow.
Sign up for a free diagnosis is necessary in advance.
Scintigraphy can be done not only in state, but also in commercial medical institutions. This examination is carried out in a network of clinics EMC ("European Medical Center"). However, the cost of the procedure will be significantly more expensive - about 19,000 rubles. At this medical center, scintigraphy is combined with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which allows for more detailed examination of the parathyroid glands.
Patients respond positively to the procedure. During the diagnosis, patients did not experience any unpleasant sensations. Scintigraphy has helped many people to detect parathyroid gland dysfunction at an early stage and start treatment on time.