In diagnosing cerebral artery disease, what radiopharmaceutical is used?

• A. Tc succimer (DMSA)
• B. Tc tetrofosmin
• C. Tc exametazime (HMPAO)
• D. Tc pertechnetate

Answer: (C)

The use of Tc exametazime (HMPAO) in diagnosing cerebral artery disease is based on its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and be retained in brain tissue, particularly in areas actively involved in cerebral perfusion. This radiopharmaceutical is a lipophilic compound that is taken up by brain cells and is used in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging to assess cerebral blood flow.

In cases of cerebral artery disease, evaluating blood flow is crucial to understanding the severity and impact of the condition. Exametazime allows for the visualization of perfusion deficits in the brain, which can indicate areas of ischemia or infarction due to reduced or obstructed blood flow in the cerebral arteries. This ability to differentiate between normal and impaired areas of blood flow makes it particularly valuable in the diagnosis and management of various cerebral vascular conditions.

The other radiopharmaceuticals mentioned may be used for other applications but do not provide the specific insight into cerebral perfusion that HMPAO offers in this context. For example, succimer is used primarily for renal imaging, tetrofosmin is often used for myocardial perfusion imaging, and pertechnetate is involved in various imaging studies unrelated to brain perfusion assessments.