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The thyroid scan in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: the great mimic
S Ramtoola1, M N Maisey, S E Clarke
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Nuclear Medicine Communications
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Thyroid scans in Hashimoto's thyroiditis show diverse imaging results, often mimicking other thyroid conditions. Biochemical tests are crucial for accurate diagnosis alongside scan findings.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Thyroid scintigraphy is a common diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spectrum of thyroid scan findings in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of thyroid scans in this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 32 thyroid scans from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis over 5 years.
- Analysis of imaging patterns and tracer uptake.
Main Results:
- Common findings included enlarged gland with increased tracer uptake (mimicking Graves' disease).
- Other patterns observed: normal scans, enlarged gland with normal uptake, multinodular gland (normal or high uptake), single non-functioning nodule, and low uptake.
- Thyroid scans demonstrated a wide range of presentations.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid scan findings in Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be highly variable and mimic other thyroid disorders.
- Thyroid scintigraphy results should be interpreted in conjunction with biochemical data for accurate diagnosis.