Computer-assisted radionuclide perfusion study in solitary cold thyroid nodules for diagnosis of malignancy

A computer-assisted radionuclide perfusion study was performed in 25 cases of solitary 'cold' thyroid nodules to assess their vascularity relative to that of normal adjoining thyroid tissue. Hypervascularity was seen in 3 malignant nodules; 1 follicular adenoma also showed increased vascularity. The 21 nodules demonstrating equal vascularity or avascularity with respect to normal thyroid tissue were benign in nature. Computer-generated time-activity curves were helpful in distinguishing hypervascular from equally vascular nodules. This technique, in conjunction with clinical evaluation, can be of value in deciding whether patients should undergo surgery or receive conservative management.