Insensitivity of Tc-99m pertechnetate for detecting metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
To evaluate the use of Tc-99m pertechnetate whole body scanning for the detection of metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma, the authors performed sequential Tc-99m pertechnetate and I-131 scans in five patients with known or suspected metastatic thyroid cancer. All five patients had abnormal I-131 uptake, but only two patients had abnormal Tc-99m pertechnetate uptake. A total of 33 abnormal foci were located with I-131; Tc-99m pertechnetate detected only 3 of these foci, and did not demonstrate any foci that were not apparent with I-131. Despite the theoretical advantages of Tc-99m pertechnetate, it cannot be recommended as a substitute for I-131 for locating thyroid cancer metastases.
Campbell
C M
CM
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Australia.
Khafagi
F A
FA
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary*; D000328:Adult; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014915:Whole-Body Counting
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m