Normal reference values for Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid uptake in northern Iranian population: A single-center...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Thyroid uptake values for radioactive iodine and Tc-99m pertechnetate differ geographically due to iodine intake.
• Establishing regional reference values is essential for accurate thyroid function interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the normal reference values for Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid uptake in euthyroid individuals in Northern Iran.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 64 euthyroid patients over 20 years old.
• Data collected from patients undergoing thyroid scans at Shahid Beheshti Hospital between March 2018 and May 2020.

Main Results:

• The median Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid uptake was 0.9%.
• The 5th and 95th percentiles were 0.6% and 1.8%, respectively.
• The overall thyroid uptake range was 0.54% - 1.80%.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid uptake percentages vary by geographic region, influenced by factors like race and diet.
• Periodic determination and monitoring of regional thyroid uptake values are necessary for clinical accuracy.