Ask Dr. Z

NM THYROID THERAPY PLANNING - do we use 78012, 78018, 78830, and 77300?

"TECHNIQUE: Following the oral administration of 1 mCi I-131 sodium iodide, whole-body dosimetry counts were obtained at 1,4,24, 48 and 72 hours for a full body dosimetry calculation. At 24HR post administration, quantitative thyroid uptake measurements were performed to quantify remnant thyroid tissue. Additionally, thyroid carcinoma metastases imaging was obtained at 24HR, and included whole body and spot view images of the neck and chest.

SPECT/CT imaging of the skull base through the lungs was also performed at 24HR. The non-diagnostic/non-contrast CT was obtained to provide attenuation correction and anatomic localization only. Source data was utilized to generate reconstructions in the axial, coronal and sagittal planes. Tomographic images and 3-D maximum intensity projections were generated. Basic radiation dosimetry calculations and image findings will provide guidance for additional surgery, altering the prescribed I-131 therapy, determining the maximum tolerated therapeutic activity, or for avoiding unnecessary I-131 therapy if no disease evidence."