From the Guidelines
A Ceretec (Technetium-99m exametazime) scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test.
Key Points
- It involves the use of Technetium-99m exametazime, also known as Tc-99m HMPAO, which is a radiopharmaceutical that labels white blood cells (WBCs) in vitro 1.
- The test is used to detect infection or inflammation in various parts of the body, including the brain, joints, and bones 1.
- In the context of joint prostheses, Tc-99m exametazime-labeled WBC scans can help diagnose periprosthetic infection, with reported sensitivities and specificities ranging from 40% to 96% and 76% to 100%, respectively 1.
- The addition of Tc-99m-labeled sulfur colloid bone marrow scanning can improve the accuracy of the test, with some studies reporting a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for diagnosing prosthetic knee infection 1.
- However, the test is not without limitations, and its performance can be affected by factors such as low-grade infection, reactive bone marrow, and false-positive results 1.
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of Ceretec (Technetium-99m exametazime) Scan
- A Ceretec scan, also known as a Technetium-99m exametazime scan, is a type of diagnostic imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to produce images of the brain and other organs 2, 3.
- The scan is used to evaluate the brain's blood flow and function, particularly in patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other neurological disorders 3.
- It can also be used to detect infections, such as those that occur after neurosurgery, by labeling white blood cells with Technetium-99m exametazime and tracking their movement in the body 2.
How the Scan Works
- The scan involves injecting a small amount of Technetium-99m exametazime, a radioactive compound, into the bloodstream 4.
- The compound is taken up by the brain and other organs, and its distribution is detected by a special camera that produces images of the brain and other organs 5.
- The images can be used to evaluate the brain's blood flow, function, and structure, and to detect any abnormalities or areas of damage 3.
Advantages and Applications
- The Ceretec scan has several advantages, including its ability to provide detailed images of the brain and other organs, and its relatively low radiation dose compared to other imaging tests 4.
- It is commonly used in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and infections 2, 3.
- The scan can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to track changes in the brain over time 2.