Adrenal medullary imaging
Key points
- This is a nuclear scan test that uses injected radioactive material (radioisotope) and a special scanner to locate or confirm pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).
- A radioisotope (MIBG, iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) is injected into a vein.
- Lugol's iodine solution may be given before the test as well as after administration of the radioisotope.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and previous experience.
Alternative names
MIBG (iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) scintiscan
Definition
This is a nuclear scan test that uses injected radioactive material (radioisotope) and a special scanner to locate or confirm pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).
How the test is performed
A radioisotope (MIBG, iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) is injected into a vein. Later that day (or the next day) you are asked to lie on a table which is placed under the arm of the scanner. The abdomen is scanned. You may be asked to return for repeated scans for 1 to 3 days. Each scan takes 1 to 2 hours.
After injection of the radioisotope, you are given Lugol's iodine solution to block uptake into the thyroid. Because the radiation from this radioisotope is fairly high compared to most other radioisotopes, some precautions may be necessary for a few days after the test. The nuclear medicine personnel will instruct about specific precautions, which may include flushing the toilet twice after each use (to dilute radioactive material excreted in the urine) or other precautions.
How to prepare for the test
Lugol's iodine solution may be given before the test as well as after administration of the radioisotope.
You must sign an informed consent form.
A hospital gown is usually worn during the scan, although loose fitting clothing may be allowed. Remove jewelry or metal objects before each scan.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and previous experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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