Which imaging modality uses 99mTc (sestamibi) for visualization?

The usage of 99mTc (sestamibi) is primarily associated with cardiac imaging. This radiopharmaceutical is particularly effective in assessing myocardial perfusion and viability. When injected, sestamibi accumulates in the myocardium in proportion to blood flow, allowing clinicians to visualize areas of the heart muscle that may be ischemic or necrotic.

In cardiac imaging, sestamibi is often employed in diagnostic studies to evaluate coronary artery disease, assess myocardial viability after an infarction, and guide treatment decisions regarding revascularization. Sestamibi's favorable distribution patterns and its retention in healthy myocardial tissue make it an excellent choice for non-invasive imaging of heart function.

While the other imaging modalities listed in the question do utilize different radiopharmaceuticals, they do not employ 99mTc (sestamibi) for visualization. Bone imaging typically uses technetium-99m phosphate compounds, thyroid imaging usually involves iodine isotopes or 99mTc-pertechnetate, and liver imaging may include agents that target liver perfusion or certain metabolic processes, which are distinct from the use of sestamibi. Therefore, the specific application of 99mTc (sestamibi) is indeed best suited for cardiac imaging