title: Characterization of Thyroid Nodules by 4-Dimensional Computed Tomography: Initial Experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to evaluate the use of 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) for characterization of thyroid nodules.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our study drew from 100 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent 4D parathyroid CT imaging for adenoma localization. Included subjects had tissue sampling of a thyroid nodule within 3 months of 4DCT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty subjects (18 women and 2 men) had thyroid nodules that were pathologically confirmed. Precontrast nodule attenuation was significantly lower in malignant nodules when compared with benign nodules (36 vs 61 HU, P = 0.05). Arterial phase and delayed phase nodule attenuations were not significantly different in malignant and benign nodules (128 vs 144 HU, P = 0.7; 74 vs 98 HU, P = 0.3).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our initial experience with a small group of patients was unable to support the use of 4DCT for characterizing thyroid nodules; however, precontrast nodule attenuation was significantly lower in malignant nodules when compared with benign nodules.
authors: From the Departments of *Radiology and †Geriatrics, ‡Thyroid Center, and §Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UAMS, Little Rock, AK.
authors: Ryan T
authors: RT
authors: Fitzgerald
authors: Manohar
authors: M
authors: Kuruva
authors: Ryan
authors: R
authors: David
authors: Rohan S
authors: RS
authors: Samant
authors: Manoj
authors: M
authors: Kumar
authors: Rudy
authors: R
authors: Van Hemert
authors: Edgardo J
authors: EJ
authors: Angtuaco
authors: Donald
authors: D
authors: Bodenner
authors: Brendan C
authors: BC
authors: Stack
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D056973:Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*