Abstract

NUCLEAR MEDICINE; A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL-

*Dr. Pratik C. Parkarwar, Dr. Salman Shaikh, Dr. Yogesh Jadhav, Dr. Supriya Sankpal, Dr. Vidya Randive and Dr. Rajendra Birangane

ABSTRACT

The Nuclear medicine plays an major role in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases. Although it is not frequently used in daily dental practice, the dental provider should have a knowledge of theseimaging modalities and understand the indications and limitations of these imaging. Radionuclide imaging is a form of noninvasive functional imaging technique, which provides information on pathophysiological and pathobiochemical processes. Radionuclide imaging uses radioactive isotopes that emit γ (gamma) rays. It provides as a early marker of disease, through measurement of biochemical change. After the radionuclides are administered, they get distributed in the body according to their clearance kinetics of that tracer. The gamma camera detects γ-rays and forms planar images showing the locations of the radionuclides in the body. The purpose of this review is to discuss the nuclear medicine studies that have applications in the head and neck region as well as their indications, limitations of it.

Keywords: Nuclear medicine, Radionuclide imaging, Radionuclide, Isotopes, Gamma.