Four-Dimensional Dual-Energy Computed Tomography-Derived Parameters and Their Correlation with Thyroid Gland...

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Endocrinology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) enables iodine quantification, crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis.
• DECT can generate virtual non-contrast (VNC) images, potentially reducing radiation exposure.
• Assessing thyroid function non-invasively is vital for managing endocrine disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore correlations between thyroid function (TSH, FT4) and DECT-derived iodine concentration.
• To investigate the relationship between thyroid densities on true non-contrast (TNC) and VNC images with thyroid function.
• To analyze differences in thyroid density (ΔHU) between contrast-enhanced and non-contrast phases in relation to thyroid function.

Main Methods:

• 87 patients undergoing 4D-CT with single and dual-energy scans for hyperparathyroidism diagnosis.
• Measurement of thyroid iodine concentration and densities across all scanning phases.
• Correlation analysis of these measurements with thyroid function tests (TSH, FT4) and ΔHU.

Main Results:

• Positive correlations observed between iodine concentration and TSH levels (R = 0.349–0.414).
• Significant positive correlation found between TNC thyroid density and TSH (R = 0.436).
• VNC thyroid densities showed no correlation with TSH or FT4; ΔHU negatively correlated with TSH (p = 0.002).

Conclusions:

• DECT-derived iodine concentration and TNC thyroid density correlate with thyroid function, unlike VNC densities.
• VNC images are not suitable for evaluating thyroid function based on density.
• ΔHU correlations suggest a link between iodine uptake capacity and thyroid hormonal function, highlighting DECT's potential in head and neck imaging.