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Detection of differentiated thyroid carcinoma metastases using radionuclide imaging

YE Zhi-yi, MA Cao, WANG Hui   

  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
  • Online:2014-01-28 Published:2014-01-29
  • Supported by:

    National Natural Science Foundation of China,81271612; Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau Foundation, 20124016

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the guiding value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) coincidence circuit imaging and 131I SPECT/CT imaging on detecting metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Methods Fifty-three patients with positive findings of DTC by 18F-FDG imaging or 131I SPECT/CT imaging during 131I therapy and follow-up underwent surgical resections. The preoperative and postoperative serum human thyroglobulin (HTg) and clinical stage were observed and compared. Results Among 53 patients, 34 patients were positive on 18F-FDG imaging. DTC metastases were pathologically confirmed in 32/34 patients. Nineteen patients were positive on 131I imaging, and DTC metastases were pathologically confirmed in 17/19 patients. In 49 patients with true positive DTC metastases on radionuclide imaging, 38 patients had positive serum HTg before surgery. HTg remained positive in 23/38 patients. There was significant difference of HTg before and after surgery (P<0.05). 18F-FDG and 131I imaging guided surgery changed the clinical stage for 11/32 and 3/17 patients, respectively. Conclusion 18F-FDG and 131I imaging were sensitive to detect DTC metastases.

Key words: differentiated thyroid carcinoma, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose coincidence circuit, iodine radioisotopes, SPECT/CT