How does Tc Sodium Pertechnetate localize during thyroid imaging?

How does Tc Sodium Pertechnetate localize during thyroid imaging?

• A. Passive diffusion
• B. Active transport
• C. Bound secretion
• D. Absorption

Answer: (B)

In thyroid imaging, Tc Sodium Pertechnetate localizes through active transport mechanisms. The thyroid gland actively absorbs iodine from the bloodstream to produce thyroid hormones, and this process is facilitated by sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) located on the thyroid follicular cells. Although Tc-99m pertechnetate is not iodine, it is taken up by the same transport mechanism, which is why it effectively mimics iodine in this context. This ability to localize through active transport allows for the visualization of the functional capacity of thyroid tissue. The uptake of Tc Sodium Pertechnetate can provide valuable information on the gland's health, helping to identify conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules by reflecting the metabolic activity of the thyroid cells.

In thyroid imaging, Tc Sodium Pertechnetate localizes through active transport mechanisms. The thyroid gland actively absorbs iodine from the bloodstream to produce thyroid hormones, and this process is facilitated by sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) located on the thyroid follicular cells. Although Tc-99m pertechnetate is not iodine, it is taken up by the same transport mechanism, which is why it effectively mimics iodine in this context.

This ability to localize through active transport allows for the visualization of the functional capacity of thyroid tissue. The uptake of Tc Sodium Pertechnetate can provide valuable information on the gland's health, helping to identify conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules by reflecting the metabolic activity of the thyroid cells.