Iodocholesterol

Iodocholesterol is a type of radiopharmaceutical used in medical imaging. It is a cholesterol analog that is labeled with iodine-131 or iodine-123, which are radioactive isotopes of iodine.

Chemistry

Iodocholesterol is a derivative of cholesterol in which one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by an iodine atom. The iodine atom can be either iodine-131 or iodine-123. The iodine atom allows the molecule to be detected by a gamma camera or other imaging device.

Medical Use

Iodocholesterol is used in nuclear medicine to image the adrenal glands. It is particularly useful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands. The iodine-labeled cholesterol is taken up by the adrenal glands, allowing them to be visualized on a gamma camera.

Procedure

The patient is injected with iodocholesterol, and images are taken several hours later. The images can show whether the adrenal glands are functioning normally, or whether there is a tumor or other abnormality.

Risks and Side Effects

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with the use of iodocholesterol. These include allergic reactions to the iodine, and the potential for radiation exposure. However, the amount of radiation is typically very small, and the benefits of the procedure usually outweigh the risks.

See Also

• Radiopharmaceutical
• Nuclear medicine
• Pheochromocytoma
• Adrenal gland