Indicated for: myocardial perfusion imaging
Route of administration: injectable
Substance: Tc - sestamibi (contrast agent)
ATC: V09GA01 (Various | Cardiovascular system | Technetium (99mtc) compounds)
Tc-sestamibi (technetium-99m sestamibi) is a radiopharmaceutical used in medical imaging, particularly in nuclear medicine, for diagnosing and evaluating various conditions. It is commonly used in:
- Myocardial perfusion imaging: Tc-sestamibi is used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction. It is administered during stress tests or at rest to evaluate heart function and perfusion.
- Parathyroid adenoma localization: It is used to identify overactive parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism, helping to locate adenomas or parathyroid hyperplasia.
- Tumor imaging: Tc-sestamibi can be used to detect certain types of tumors, such as breast cancer or multiple myeloma, due to its accumulation in cells with high metabolic activity.
How it works: Tc-sestamibi is injected intravenously and accumulates in tissues with increased blood flow or high metabolic activity. The radiation emitted by technetium-99m is detected by a gamma camera, producing detailed images of the target organs or tissues.
Side effects: It is generally well-tolerated, but mild reactions such as nausea, dizziness, or rare allergic reactions may occur. Radiation exposure is minimal and considered safe for most patients.