What is a Spect CT parathyroid?

SPECT (Single Proton Emission Computerized Tomography) scanning is a technique whereby images can be obtained of diseased parathyroid glands which have absorbed a radioactive marker. SPECT scanning is nothing more than a variant of Sestamibi Scanning for parathyroid glands.

Can CT scan detect parathyroid?

Parathyroid four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) is a technique that uses sophisticated x-ray technology to locate the parathyroid glands in the neck. CT scanning is fast, painless, noninvasive and accurate. Parathyroid 4DCT is a more specialized CT scan with greater ability to locate diseased glands.

What is Spect CT used for?

A single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan is an imaging test that shows how blood flows to tissues and organs. It may be used to help diagnose seizures, stroke, stress fractures, infections, and tumors in the spine.

What is parathyroid planar imaging?

The Nuclear Medicine Parathyroid Scan is an exam to determine the function and health of the parathyroid gland which regulates calcium uptake in the body. Nuclear Medicine scans are performed using very small amounts of radioactive material. The radioactive material is usually bound to other non-radioactive elements.

What is Spect Imaging?

A single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan lets your doctor analyze the function of some of your internal organs. A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D pictures.

What does hyperparathyroidism cause?

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more of your parathyroid glands become overactive and release (secrete) too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This causes the levels of calcium in your blood to rise, a condition known as hypercalcemia.

Do parathyroid tumors show up on ultrasound?

Ultrasound can find about 60% of parathyroid adenomas (if the scan is actually performed by an endocrinologist or surgeon, or a tech that is experienced in parathyroid ultrasound and who has been told that that is what they are looking for!). However, ultrasound only finds the easy to locate, superficial tumors.

What does a parathyroid adenoma look like on ultrasound?

Normal-sized parathyroid glands are usually not visualized with ultrasound. On gray-scale images, parathyroid adenomas appear as a discrete, oval, anechoic or hypoechoic masses located posterior to the thyroid gland, anterior to the longus colli muscles, and, frequently, medial to the common carotid artery.

What is the difference between SPECT and SPECT CT?

The SPECT scan uses nuclear medicine to give good images of metabolic abnormalities, whereas the CT scan may be able to help narrow down specifically where the problem is occurring, such as in the bone or nearby tissue.

Can a SPECT scan show depression?

The anatomic circuits of depression and mood regulation have been revealed by converging evidence from SPECT, PET and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) studies of depression and analysis of both lesions resulting in depressive symptoms and surgical lesions used to treat severe cases of depression.

What happens if hyperparathyroidism is left untreated?

The effects of hyperparathyroidism can result in other health concerns, if left untreated. In addition to kidney stones and osteoporosis, older patients may physical symptoms including depression, mood changes, fatigue, muscle, and bone aches and pains, or even cardiac dysrhythmias.

What can I expect from a parathyroid scan?

During your exam, a small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected into a vein in your arm. The tracer allows your parathyroid glands to be seen by the nuclear medicine camera. After 10 minutes, you will be positioned on your back and images will be taken for approximately 20 minutes.