Scintigraphic and sonographic studies in thyroid diseases
Wu, C.C.; Torng, J.K.; Lee, Y.M.; Cneng, T.C.; Ho, Y.H.
Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi 4(4): 248-258
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0257-5655 PMID: 2838649 Document Number: 313716
A prospective study was conducted to evaluate 99mTc-pertechnetate radionuclide (RN) thyroid scan and real-time ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases during September through December 1987. Eighteen normal subjects and 86 thyroid patients were included. Based on size, contour, distribution of radioactivity, and the presence of cold/cool/hot nodule (s) of the thyroid gland, for diagnosis of thyroid abnormality the sensitivity was 96.6% (83/86). RN detected 90% (45/50) of the thyroid nodules, but failed in detection of its malignancy. US detected 93.0% (79/85) of thyroid abnormalities, and detected 90% (45/50) of the thyroid nodules. A protruding-out of the nodule(s) through the thryoid capsule was a reliable sign for malignancy (6/11, 55% vs 1/39, 3%; p < 0.01, .chi.2-test .hivin.c Yate's correction); while size, multinodularity, cystic change and margin of the nodule(s) were not. Seven cases showed discrepancy between RN and US scans. This was probably due to (1) an inability of the US scan to demonstrate some nodules that were functionally abnormal and (2) relatively poor resolution of RN scan. In conclusion it appeared that the RN scan can demonstrate the thyroid lesion both morphologically and functionally, while US scan shows relatively good resolution; and they are certainly complementary to each other as imaging modalities.