Evaluation of Thyroid Abnormalities using Ultrasonography and Radionuclide Scintigraphy

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the thyroid abnormalities using ultrasound and scintigraphy. The study population consisted of 173 patients were seen by surgeons and medical doctors , were diagnosed clinically as having thyroid issues, and referred to Nuclear Medicine and Radiology Department, Fujairah hospital for thyroid scintigraphy and neck ultrasound during the period from Jan 10, 2016 to June 30, 2018. All patients Thyroid function test were done before coming to radiology department. So all results were comparing with the TFT results. The results of this study revealed that 173 patients 86% were female (149) and 14% were male (24), their mean age was 38 years. Thyroid ultrasound scan finding normal in 6% (11 patients) and abnormal in 94 % (162 patients).thyroid nuclear medicine scan were reported as normal in 9% (16 patients) and abnormal in 91% (157 patients),most affected patient’s age group ( 20 - 50) years and commonest disease is Multinodular goiter(48%),Nodules site in both examinations, thyroid scintigraphy and thyroid ultrasound 80 and 114 is Right lobe respectively. Thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound reached the almost same imaging findings in patients with thyroid abnormality. Ultrasonography compared to nuclear medicine scintigraphy, Ultrasound detected 93.6% (162 patients) more than nuclear medicine 90.3% (157 patients) by 3.3 %. Ultrasonography v was found to be an appropriate study in the detection of thyroid abnormality. Both US and thyroid scintigraphy have diagnosed the thyroid gland abnormality and suggested the diagnosis of others disorders in all other patients. This study concluded that the relationship between the two studies cannot be changed and does not have a significant effect because the level and degree of sensitivity of the examination of the thyroid gland by nuclear medicine is not more sensitive and accurate than the ultrasound examination . Ultrasound has the additional advantages of being non-ionizing radiation and accurately localizes and characterizes the thyroid abnormalities. Ultrasound examination should be obtained routinely for patients with suspected thyroid diseases and scintigraphy is reserved for selected cases.