Efficacy of thyroid scintigraphy in the diagnosis of intrathoracic goiter

• Published in: American journal of roentgenology (1976) Vol. 148; no. 3; pp. 527 - 529
• Main Authors: Park, HM, Tarver, RD, Siddiqui, AR, Schauwecker, DS, Wellman, HN
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Leesburg, VA Am Roentgen Ray Soc 01.03.1987; American Roentgen Ray Society
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Endocrine glands. Genital system. Mammary gland; Female; Goiter, Substernal - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Iodine Radioisotopes; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Radionuclide Imaging; Radionuclide investigations; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Thyroid Gland - diagnostic imaging; Endocrinopathy; Radionuclide study; Human; Retrosternal goiter; Thyroid diseases; Diagnostic; Thorax; Thyroid gland; Scintigraphy
• ISSN: 0361-803X; 1546-3141
• DOI: 10.2214/ajr.148.3.527

For evaluation of the usefulness of thyroid scintigraphy in the diagnosis of intrathoracic goiter, we analyzed the results of radionuclide thyroid scintigraphy in 54 consecutive cases with suspected upper mediastinal masses. Intrathoracic goiters were found in 42. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the scintigraphy for intrathoracic goiter were 93% (39/42), 100% (12/12), and 94% (51/54), respectively. Scintigraphic morphology, scanning technique, and pitfalls are discussed. The results show that most intrathoracic goiters do have thyroid function and that radioiodine scintigraphy is a definitive and cost-effective diagnostic procedure for this disease.