Technetium (99mTc) pentetic acid

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Technetium (99mTc) pentetic acid


Technetium (99mTc) pentetic acid is a radiopharmaceutical agent used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging. It is a complex of technetium-99m, a metastable nuclear isomer, and pentetic acid, also known as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA).

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Technetium (99mTc) pentetic acid is formed by the reaction of technetium-99m with pentetic acid. Technetium-99m is a metastable nuclear isomer of technetium-99, and it is this isomer that is used for its radioactive properties. Pentetic acid is a polyamino carboxylic acid that is capable of forming stable complexes with metal ions, including technetium.

Medical Use[edit | edit source]

In nuclear medicine, Technetium (99mTc) pentetic acid is used as a diagnostic imaging agent. It is used in renal scintigraphy, a medical imaging technique used to assess the function and structure of the kidneys. The compound is injected into the patient's bloodstream and is filtered out by the kidneys, allowing for imaging of the renal system.

Safety and Side Effects[edit | edit source]

As with all radiopharmaceuticals, there is a risk of radiation exposure with the use of Technetium (99mTc) pentetic acid. However, the benefits of accurate diagnostic imaging generally outweigh these risks. Side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions and changes in blood pressure.

See Also[edit | edit source]


This radiopharmaceutical related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD