Scintigraphy

This nuclear medical examination method is used for functional disorders of the thyroid gland. Both the iodine uptake of the thyroid gland and the distribution of functions within the thyroid gland are visualised. The images are used to distinguish between different forms of thyroid dysfunction and then to make an optimal choice of therapy.

A slightly radioactive substance (radionuclide) is usually injected into the arm vein (alternatively swallowed in the case of special problems). After a short waiting time of 20 minutes, a picture of the distribution of the applied substance in the thyroid gland (scintigram) is taken with the help of a special camera. The radioactive substance is easily excreted by the body after a short time.

Scintigraphy is not available in the canton. We have our thyroid scintigrams carried out at the Institute for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna Luzern. Both the report of the findings and the image data are transmitted to us directly in digital form.

Below are some typical examples of thyroid scintigrams: