Reappraising the role of thyroid scintigraphy in the era of TIRADS: A clinically-oriented viewpoint

Endocrine. 2024 Sep;85(3):1035-1040. doi: 10.1007/s12020-024-03825-0. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

Abstract

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are a common entity, with the majority being benign. Therefore, employing an accurate rule-out strategy in clinical practice is essential. In the thyroid field, the current era is significantly marked by the worldwide diffusion of ultrasound (US)-based malignancy risk stratification systems of TN, usually reported as Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System (TIRADS). With the advent of US (and later TIRADS), the role of thyroid scintigraphy (TS) in clinical practice has gradually diminished. The authors of the present paper believe that the role of TS should be reappraised, also considering its essential role in detecting autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and its limited contribution to detecting thyroid cancers. Thus, this document aims to furnish endocrinologists, radiologists, surgeons, and nuclear medicine physicians with practical information to appropriately use TS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Radionuclide Imaging* / methods
  • Thyroid Gland* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Nodule* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography / methods