Portable feline thyroid scintigraphy device introduced in Greece

A portable hybrid gamma–optical imaging camera has debuted in a veterinary setting in Greece, where eight cats with known or suspected hyperthyroidism were imaged at a feline endocrine clinic in Athens. Findings from the work were presented at the Hellenic Companion Animal Veterinary Society (HCAVS) 15th Forum in Chalkidiki, Northern Greece, which was held May 15–17, 2026.

The system, Seracam, is developed by the United Kingdom-based Serac Imaging Systems Limited. It combines gamma imaging with real-time optical imaging, enabling anatomical localization through image overlay. According to the company, the device is designed for point-of-care use. It differs from conventional nuclear medicine systems in that it is portable and can be used outside dedicated imaging departments.

The imaging was carried out by Sossanna Bourmpou, DVM, founder and veterinarian at the Feline Hyperthyroidism Treatment Centre in Athens, Greece. The center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of feline hyperthyroidism, with a focus on radioiodine (I-131) therapy. In the cases reported, thyroid scintigraphy was used to support diagnosis and inform treatment decisions.

According to Serac Imaging Systems, the work represents the first reported veterinary use of the system in Greece.

Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in older cats, characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones from hyperfunctional thyroid tissue. If untreated, it can contribute to systemic hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and progressive renal dysfunction. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs, physical examination, and endocrine testing, although laboratory results may sometimes be inconclusive. Treatment options include dietary iodine restriction, antithyroid medications, surgical thyroidectomy, and radioiodine therapy, which is widely used as a definitive treatment.

“Feline hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrinopathies in older cats and, although highly treatable, determination of the optimal therapeutic approach and appropriate radioiodine dose often remains largely empirical,” Bourmpou said in a company news release.¹

Thyroid scintigraphy involves the administration of a small amount of radioactive tracer, which is taken up by thyroid tissue. The resulting distribution is then imaged to assess functional activity. In feline hyperthyroidism, scintigraphy can help confirm diagnosis in borderline cases, identify the location of affected thyroid tissue, and detect ectopic thyroid tissue in anatomical locations, which has been reported in approximately 10–20% of cases.¹ It may also be used to assess functional thyroid volume when physical enlargement is not evident.

Bourmpou said the scans provided rapid functional and anatomical insight that helped refine treatment decisions.

“Imaging with Seracam provided immediate and accurate assessment of disease extent, functional distribution of hyperactive thyroid tissue, and individualized therapeutic requirements for each patient,” she said.¹ This significantly supported optimization of I-131 treatment protocols while minimizing the risk of adverse effects or repeat treatment requirements.”

“Furthermore, the imaging findings proved exceptionally valuable in facilitating client communication through direct visualization of the pathological process,” Bourmpou added.¹

In cats undergoing I-131 therapy, the system may also be used to guide therapeutic dose selection, assess radionuclide distribution after treatment, and monitor response to therapy. According to Serac Imaging Systems, additional veterinary applications are under evaluation.

Serac Imaging Systems describes Seracam as a portable hybrid gamma–optical camera designed to provide molecular imaging closer to the point of care, including veterinary clinical environments. The company states the system combines functional gamma with real-time optical imaging to support clinical decision-making.

Reference

1. First veterinary imaging using Seracam®: first feline scintigraphy in Greece. Serac Imaging Systems Limited. News release. May 14, 2026. Accessed May 18, 2026.