Assessment of coronary artery disease by use of a radioactive isotope of thallium administered by an intravenous drip, followed by a physical stress test; the isotope collects in areas of decreased circulation and can be visualized on the scanner.
A radioisotope used in nuclear medicine that emits gamma rays and closely resembles potassium. Thallium 201 is used as a diagnostic imaging aid to evaluate the blood flow and viability of the heart muscle. When injected intravenously into the person to be scanned, the radioisotope enters healthy tissue quickly. Areas with poor blood flow and decreased blood supply, as well as tissue that has died because of insufficient blood supply, take up the thallium much more slowly and show up as “cold spots” on a nuclear scan.
A leadlike element that has several dangerously poisonous compounds. The poison is cumulative and causes liver and nerve damage and bone destruction. The victim’s hair is likely to fall out and does not grow again. Treatment is by administration of chelating agents.
An element that is toxic to nerve and liver tissues. Treatment is the administration of chelating agents.
An infrequent metallic element found as compounds in select zinc and lead ores. Prolonged exposure to thallium can result in hair loss, nerve abnormalities in the limbs, and disruption of stomach and intestinal functions. Occasionally, thallium-201, an artificial radioactive isotope, is employed in radionuclide scans of the heart.