title: Correlation Between Computed Tomography Density and Functional Status of the Thyroid Gland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine the correlation between thyroid computed tomography (CT) density and thyroid functional status.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thyroid CT densities were determined in patients who had a noncontrast CT of the cervical spine and a recent thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement in a cohort of 157 patients. Thyroid CT densities of patients with abnormally low TSH and high TSH were compared to those with normal TSH. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between TSH levels and CT densities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both low and high TSH groups demonstrated significantly decreased thyroid CT densities (P < 0.0001). There was significant positive correlation between thyroid CT densities and TSH levels (r = 0.40; P < 0.0001) for subjects with a TSH level of less than 3.0 μIU/mL and a significant negative correlation (r = -0.66; P < 0.0001) for those with a TSH level of greater than or equal to 3.0 μIU/mL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a significant correlation between thyroid CT density and serum TSH levels. A low thyroid CT density indicates abnormal thyroid function.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Yihua
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013972:Thyrotropin; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013972:Thyrotropin