Nuclear medicine imaging test used to diagnose of cardiac amyloidosis
Technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy is a type of nuclear medicine imaging used for the diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (an abnormal buildup of amyloid proteins that can restrict the hearts’ ability to function as it should).
What to expect
Nuclear imaging is usually performed at hospital radiology departments. You may need to change into a hospital gown and you will lie on a table or sit in a chair during the imaging procedure, which usually takes about thirty minutes. Technetium-99m is a common radioactive tracer that is administered intravenously. Nuclear Medicine cardiac or chest SPECT/CT (single photon emission tomography/Computed tomography) and planar images are obtained three hours after the isotope enters the body. These images will be reviewed by a radiologist that specializes in Nuclear Medicine and a report will be sent to your physician as part of your diagnostic evaluation.
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MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.