Diagnostic evaluation of thyroid involvement by histiocytosis X.
We report the successful diagnosis of thyroid involvement by histiocytosis X due to accurate evaluation of nuclear medicine results.


METHODS
A total thyroidectomy specimen from our patient was initially suggestive of medullary thyroid carcinoma. However, histologic reevaluation was performed on the basis of nuclear medicine findings which were incompatible with the original histologic diagnosis.


RESULTS
Immunohistochemical and light microscopy studies were performed to obtain the correct diagnosis. Diffuse thyroid involvement by histiocytosis X was demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
Thyroid scintigraphy was helpful in successfully diagnosing thyroid involvement by histiocytosis X. Because tracer uptake is related to increased cellularity and metabolism, none of these tracers reported here is specific for defining histiocytosis X.
Maurea
S
S
Nuclear Medicine Department, University of Medicine Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
Lastoria
S
S
Klain
M
M
Brunetti
A
A
Boscaino
A
A
Lupoli
G
G
Salvatore
M
M
D019797:3-Iodobenzylguanidine; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006646:Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007462:Iodobenzenes; D008875:Middle Aged; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D004113:Succimer; D019783:Technetium Tc 99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi; D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007462:Iodobenzenes; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes; D019797:3-Iodobenzylguanidine; D019783:Technetium Tc 99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi; D004113:Succimer