Characterization of Thyroid Nodules by 4-Dimensional Computed Tomography: Initial Experience. Issue 2 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fitzgerald, Ryan T.; Kuruva, Manohar; David, Ryan; Samant, Rohan S.; Kumar, Manoj; Van Hemert, Rudy; Angtuaco, Edgardo J.; Bodenner, Donald; Stack, Brendan C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer assisted tomography. Volume 41:Issue 2(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: 4DCT -- thyroid nodule -- thyroid carcinoma -- papillary thyroid cancer; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000495
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-8715

Abstract

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.