The role of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography for precise localization of metastases in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.
OBJECTIVE
It is very important in the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) to precisely localize the foci of I-131 uptake, but it is difficult because of a lack of anatomic landmarks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the added value of I-131 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging using a hybrid system in patients with DTC.


METHODS
Ninety-four patients with DTC underwent I-131 SPECT/CT using a hybrid tomography consisting of a dual-head variable-angle gamma camera and a low-dose X-ray tube. Results were compared with I-131 whole-body scan (WBS). SPECT/CT was performed 5-7 days after administration of a therapeutic dose of I-131. Fusion images were constructed by combining the digital CT and SPECT images on a computer workstation.


RESULTS
Compared with I-131 WBS, SPECT/CT imaging had improved the precise localization in 21% (20/94) of patients. In addition, SPECT/CT provided additional clinical data in 12 of the patients examined (12/94) and also caused physicians to reconsider the (131)I therapeutic approach in 22 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the current study indicate that the addition of I-131 SPECT/CT to WBS can improve the localization of metastases in patients with DTC. It may also detect metastases missed by WBS and adjust the therapy plan.
Wang
Hui
H
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. wangh13@hotmail.com
Fu
Hong-Liang
HL
Li
Jia-Ning
JN
Zou
Ren-Jian
RJ
Gu
Zhen-Hui
ZH
Wu
Jing-Chuan
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary*; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals