Hybrid SPECT/CT Imaging in the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Hybrid SPECT/CT Imaging in the Management of Differentiated
Thyroid Carcinoma
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018 Feb 26;19(2):303-308
Authors: Ahmed N, Niyaz K, Borakati A, Marafi F, Birk R, Usmani S
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis overall; however, lifelong follow-up is required for
many cases. Radioiodine planar imaging with iodine-123 (I-123) or radioiodine-131 (I-131) remains the standard in
the follow-up after initial surgery and ablation of residual thyroid tissue using I-131 therapy. Radioiodine imaging
is also used in risk-stratifying and for staging of thyroid cancer, and in long-term follow-up. Unfortunately, the lack
of anatomical detail on planar gamma camera imaging and superimposition of areas presenting with increased radioiodine
uptake can make accurate diagnosis and localization of radioiodine-avid metastatic disease challenging, leading to false
positive results and potentially to over-treatment of patients. Hybrid SPECT/CT allows precise anatomical localization
and superior characterization of foci of increased tracer uptake when compared to planar imaging. This, in turn, allows the
differentiation of pathological and physiological uptake, increasing the accuracy of image interpretation and ultimately
improving the accuracy of DTC staging and subsequent patient management. In this review, we look at the unique and
emerging role that SPECT/CT plays in the management of DTC, illustrated b...
Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Asian Pac J Cancer Prev Source Type: research