Related Experiment Videos
MR imaging of the thyroid: correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient and thyroid gland scintigraphy
Mikio Tezuka1, Yuji Murata, Ryuji Ishida
1Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 5-45 Yushima l-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan. m-tezuka@st.rim.or.jp
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|January 24, 2003
Summary
Diffusion-weighted MRI can help diagnose thyroid diseases. Higher ADC values on these scans indicate Graves disease, aiding in thyroid function assessment.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Imaging Science
- Endocrinology and Thyroidology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is increasingly explored for evaluating thyroid function.
- Distinguishing between various thyroid disorders clinically can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of echo-planar MR imaging in evaluating thyroid function.
- To determine the clinical applicability of MR imaging for diagnosing thyroid diseases.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four patients with Graves disease, subacute thyroiditis, or Hashimoto thyroiditis underwent T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted MR imaging.
- Thyroid scintigraphy with Tc-99m pertechnetate was also performed for comparison.
- Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values were analyzed from diffusion-weighted images.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher ADC values were observed in Graves disease patients compared to subacute and Hashimoto thyroiditis patients.
- T1- and T2-weighted images did not show significant differences among the thyroid disorders.
- An ADC value of 1.82 x 10(-3) mm(2)/second or higher demonstrated 75% sensitivity and 80% specificity for Graves disease.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion-weighted MR imaging shows promise for diagnosing thyroid diseases.
- This MR imaging technique may hold clinical importance for assessing thyroid function.