MIBG (iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) scintiscan

Alternative names:

adrenal medullary imaging

What the risks are:

The risks are essentially the same as for X-rays (radiation) and for needle pricks.

There is some exposure to radiation from the radioisotope. The radioisotope contains iodine, so precautions (such as administration of Lugol's solution) are used to prevent excessive uptake by the thyroid. There is a significant exposure of the adrenal gland to radiation. This test should not be performed on pregnant women because of the danger to the fetus from radiation.

Any time the body is penetrated (such as with a needlestick) there is a risk of infection. Injection into a vein also carries a slight risk of bleeding. The risk is no greater for this scan than for intravenous injection of any sort.

Special considerations:

The radioisotope is costly and may not be available in all medical facilities. The person must be able to return for delayed images (1 to 3 days).