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Nuclear PET Scan Side Effects

Nuclear PET (positron emission tomography) scans help diagnose and treat many different diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Before the scan, the patient often receives an injection of a small amount of radioactive material so that the organs and tissues show up clearly on the PET scan. The radioactive material can also be swallowed or inhaled. Most patients do not experience side effects from PET scans, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, but some patients can experience side effects from the scan itself or the radioactive material.

  1. Discomfort

    • One of the most common side effects of nuclear PET scans is discomfort, though it is not usually significant. Patients feel a small prick when the radioactive material is administered into a vein, and some patients report a slightly uncomfortable cold tingling in their arms when the material is injected. Pain at the injection site may occur as well, but it typically subsides within a few hours. Some PET scans require a catheter placed in the patient's bladder, which can also be a source of discomfort or pressure.

    Claustrophobia

    • Some patients feel claustrophobic while in the PET scan machine, which is like a large, enclosed tunnel. Patients who experience severe claustrophobia may have difficulty breathing or experience rapid heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. Some doctors administer a sedative to extremely anxious or claustrophobic patients prior to the scan to help keep them calm and still during the procedure.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions to the radioactive material given to patients before a PET scan are rare, but can occur in some patients, according to RadiologyInfo.org. Patients should inform their doctors if they have ever had a negative reaction during any other nuclear medicine procedures. Doctors monitor for signs of an allergic reaction prior to the test, as it typically takes about one hour for the substance to move through the body. Patients experiencing trouble breathing or other signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives or swelling, should let their doctors know immediately.

    Pregnancy Side Effects

    • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should usually avoid nuclear PET scans to prevent injury or illness to the baby. In some cases, a PET scan may be necessary for a pregnant or breastfeeding mother because the benefits of the procedure to diagnose a potentially life-threatening disease or condition outweigh the risks to the child. Brigham and Women's Hospital recommends not breastfeeding for 36 hours after radioactive material is administered for a PET scan.

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