What is one function of Tc HMPAO in medical imaging?

• A. Bone density measurement
• B. Infection detection
• C. Tumor identification
• D. Cardiac function evaluation

Answer: (B)

Technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (Tc HMPAO) is primarily utilized in medical imaging to evaluate cerebral blood flow, making its main application in the detection of neurological conditions, including infections such as abscesses or cerebral hemorrhages. The radiopharmaceutical is particularly effective in identifying areas of the brain with increased metabolic activity or infection by highlighting regions with abnormal blood flow.

When injected, Tc HMPAO is taken up by healthy brain tissue and areas of infection show distinct uptake patterns that can be visualized through imaging techniques like SPECT. This ability to assess blood flow and localization of infection plays a crucial role in diagnosing various neurological disorders.

While other choices may pertain to the functions of different radiopharmaceuticals, Tc HMPAO's specific use in the context of infection detection underscores its role in identifying acute or chronic infections in the brain and related structures.