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Included in the list of diagnostic imaging procedures, scintigraphy is based on the detection, by means of a special device, of the radiation emitted by a radiopharmaceutical after its administration.
Scintigraphy is used in the diagnosis of pathologies and tumors affecting organs such as the heart, brain, lungs, thyroid, bones, kidneys and liver; it is useful in the detection of coronary artery disease and heart attack; finally, it helps in monitoring the outcome of some surgical interventions.
Scintigraphy requires compliance with a few preparatory rules, presents some risks and is contraindicated to certain categories of patients.
an iodine radiopharmaceutical is needed, while a thallium radiopharmaceutical is needed for myocardial scintigraphy).