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Personalized Diagnosis in Differentiated Thyroid Cancers by Molecular and Functional Imaging Biomarkers: Present and Future. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040944. [PMID: 35453992 PMCID: PMC9030409 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized diagnosis can save unnecessary thyroid surgeries, in cases of indeterminate thyroid nodules, when clinicians tend to aggressively treat all these patients. Personalized diagnosis benefits from a combination of imagery and molecular biomarkers, as well as artificial intelligence algorithms, which are used more and more in our timeline. Functional imaging diagnosis such as SPECT, PET, or fused images (SPECT/CT, PET/CT, PET/MRI), is exploited at maximum in thyroid nodules, with a long history in the past and a bright future with many suitable radiotracers that could properly contribute to diagnosing malignancy in thyroid nodules. In this way, patients will be spared surgery complications, and apparently more expensive diagnostic workouts will financially compensate each patient and also the healthcare system. In this review we will summarize essential available diagnostic tools for malignant and benignant thyroid nodules, beginning with functional imaging, molecular analysis, and combinations of these two and other future strategies, including AI or NIS targeted gene therapy for thyroid carcinoma diagnosis and treatment as well.
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Gherghe M, Lazar AM, Mutuleanu MD, Stanciu AE, Martin S. Radiomics Analysis of [18F]FDG PET/CT Thyroid Incidentalomas: How Can It Improve Patients’ Clinical Management? A Systematic Review from the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020471. [PMID: 35204561 PMCID: PMC8870948 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We performed a systematic review of the literature to provide an overview of the application of PET-based radiomics of [18F]FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas and to discuss the additional value of PET volumetric parameters and radiomic features over clinical data. Methods: The most relevant databases were explored using an algorithm constructed based on a combination of terms related to our subject and English-language articles published until October 2021 were considered. Among the 247 identified articles, 19 studies were screened for eligibility and 11 met the criteria, with 4 studies including radiomics analyses. Results: We summarized the available literature based on a study of PET volumetric parameters and radiomics. Ten articles provided accurate details about volumetric parameters and their prospective value in tumour assessment. We included the data provided by these articles in a sub-analysis, but could not obtain statistically relevant results. Four publications analyzed the diagnostic potential of radiomics and the possibility of creating precise predictive models, their corresponding quality score being assessed. Conclusions: The use of PET volumetric parameters and radiomics analysis in patients with [18F]FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas outlines a great prospect in diagnosis and stratification of patients with malignant nodules and may represent a way of limiting the need for unnecessary invasive procedures; however, further studies need to be performed for a standardization of the method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Gherghe
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.G.); (M.-D.M.)
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institute of Oncology “Profesor Doctor Alexandru Trestioreanu”, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Maria Lazar
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institute of Oncology “Profesor Doctor Alexandru Trestioreanu”, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Mario-Demian Mutuleanu
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.G.); (M.-D.M.)
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institute of Oncology “Profesor Doctor Alexandru Trestioreanu”, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Elena Stanciu
- Carcinogenesis and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Oncology “Profesor Doctor Alexandru Trestioreanu”, 022328 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sorina Martin
- Endocrinology Department, Elias Emergency University Clinic Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania;
- Endocrinology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Albano D, Treglia G, Giovanella L, Giubbini R, Bertagna F. Detection of thyroiditis on PET/CT imaging: a systematic review. Hormones (Athens) 2020; 19:341-349. [PMID: 32037486 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-020-00178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence and clinical significance of thyroiditis detected by molecular imaging methods is a clinical challenge that is not widely investigated in the literature. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze published data about the detection of thyroiditis on PET or PET/CT using different tracers. METHODS A comprehensive computer literature search of the Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library databases was conducted up to November 2019 to find relevant papers on the detection of thyroiditis by PET/CT, the metabolic appearance, and the clinical significance. RESULTS Twenty-six articles were selected and retrieved in full-text version. From the analyses of these studies, the following main findings have been found. Diffuse thyroid uptake of PET tracers is a relatively frequent event, ranging from 0.4 to 46.2%, and it is commonly related to benign disease. Thyroiditis is the most frequent reason for diffuse increased thyroid 18F-FDG uptake. Cases of malignant disease with a pattern of diffuse 18F-FDG thyroid uptake are less frequent. Preliminary studies show a possible role of thyroiditis detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT in evaluating treatment response and as a prognostic marker in oncological patients treated with immunotherapy. However, further studies are needed. CONCLUSIONS Diffuse 18F-FDG thyroid uptake is a relatively rare event commonly due to benign diseases, among which thyroiditis is the most common. The rate of neoplastic disease with diffuse 18F-FDG thyroid uptake is very low. Diffuse 18F-FDG thyroid uptake requires further investigation and clinical evaluation for the correct diagnosis. Currently, cases of diffuse thyroid uptake with non-18F-FDG radiotracer are only anecdotal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Albano
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Health Technology Assessment Unit, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Raffaele Giubbini
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Signore G, Albano D, Giovanella L, Bertagna F, Treglia G. Evidence-Based Data About Prevalence and Risk of Malignancy of Thyroid Incidentalomas Detected by Different PET Radiopharmaceuticals. Curr Radiopharm 2020; 13:89-93. [DOI: 10.2174/1874471012666191212115732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
To date, several meta-analyses and systematic reviews have reported data
about the prevalence and risk of malignancy of thyroid incidentalomas detected by different PET radiopharmaceuticals.
Objective:
This article aims to summarize the published evidence-based data about the prevalence and
risk of malignancy of thyroid incidentalomas detected by different PET radiopharmaceuticals.
Methods:
A comprehensive computer literature search of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published
up to July 2019 in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases regarding the prevalence
and risk of malignancy of thyroid incidentalomas detected by different PET radiopharmaceuticals was
carried out.
Results:
We have summarized the data about prevalence and risk of malignancy of thyroid incidentalomas
detected by different PET radiopharmaceuticals (fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose, radiolabelled
choline and prostate-specific membrane antigen) taking into account 8 evidence-based articles.
Conclusion:
Evidence-based data demonstrated that thyroid incidentalomas detected by different PET
radiopharmaceuticals are not infrequent and their risk of malignancy is not negligible, in particular if
focal pattern is evident at PET, thus requiring further clinical and instrumental evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Signore
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Albano
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona/Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona/Lugano, Switzerland
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Piccardo A, Trimboli P, Foppiani L, Treglia G, Ferrarazzo G, Massollo M, Bottoni G, Giovanella L. PET/CT in thyroid nodule and differentiated thyroid cancer patients. The evidence-based state of the art. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2019; 20:47-64. [PMID: 30900067 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-019-09491-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A more conservative approach to the clinical management of thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer has recently been proposed by the 2015 ATA guidelines. In this context, fine-needle aspiration biopsy has been reserved for nodules with particular ultrasound features or dimensions that exclude low-risk thyroid lesions. Accordingly, a less aggressive surgical approach (i.e. lobectomy) has been recommended as the first-choice treatment in nodules with indeterminate cytology or in small cytologically confirmed malignant nodules. At the same time, radioactive remnant ablation has been considered only for DTC patients with concrete risks of disease persistence/relapse after thyroidectomy. In addition, further radioactive iodine therapies (RAI) have been proposed only for patients presenting unresectable and iodine-avid structural relapse. In this complex scenario, which requires attention to each clinical aspect of the patient, the introduction of accurate diagnostic tools is highly warranted. PET/CT is a very sensitive and specific diagnostic procedure that can better characterize the risk of thyroid nodules, identify DTC relapse early and predict the response to RAI. Thus, it seems essential to customize a more conservative approach to thyroid nodules and DTC patients. The aim of this review is to report the principal clinical context in which PET/CT has been used and to evaluate the evidence-based support for each diagnostic indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnoldo Piccardo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Galliera Hospital, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Mura delle Cappuccine 14, 16128, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Foppiani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Health Technology Assessment Unit, General Directorate, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Ferrarazzo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Galliera Hospital, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Mura delle Cappuccine 14, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Massollo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Galliera Hospital, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Mura delle Cappuccine 14, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bottoni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Galliera Hospital, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Mura delle Cappuccine 14, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Trimboli P, Paone G, Treglia G, Virili C, Ruberto T, Ceriani L, Piccardo A, Giovanella L. Fine-needle aspiration in all thyroid incidentalomas at 18 F-FDG PET/CT: Can EU-TIRADS revise the dogma? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:642-648. [PMID: 30019402 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Focal thyroid incidentalomas (TIs) are observed in 2% of 18 F-FDG PET/CT representing malignancy in one-third of cases. Currently, due to the lack of evidence on their optimal management, guidelines suggest fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The study aim was to evaluate the role of ultrasound evaluation according to EU-TIRADS to assess the risk of TIs and inform FNAC prescriptions. DESIGN We retrospectively reviewed 18 F-FDG PET/CT TIs recorded during the period 2014-2017. Enrolled were TIs with histological outcome and autonomous nodules. Cases with uncertain matching between 18 F-FDG PET/CT, ultrasound and histology were excluded. RESULTS According to the selection criteria, 75 TIs, being 13 (17.3%) malignant and 62 (82.7%) benign, were included. Cancers had significantly higher SUVmax and SUVmax ratio (Mann-Whitney P < 0.01) than benign, and the most accurate cut-offs were >7.1 and >3.65, respectively. At ultrasound, the cancer rate was 0% in EU-TIRADS 2, 2.9% in EU-TIRADS 3, 4.2% in EU-TIRADS 4% and 78.6% in EU-TIRADS 5 (chi-squared P < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for malignancy were 92%, 64%, 35%, 98% and 69% for SUVmax; 85%, 68%, 36%, 96% and 71% for SUVmax ratio; and 85%, 95%, 79%, 97% and 93% for EU-TIRADS, respectively. The absence of all these three features reached a specificity of 97.1%. CONCLUSIONS EU-TIRADS, within a clinical careful approach, can discriminate with significant accuracy lesions at high risk of malignancy from those at low risk among TIs at 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Additionally, a centre-based threshold for SUV parameters should be useful for the initial assessment of these lesions during PET/CT reading and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gaetano Paone
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Health Technology Assessment Unit, Academic Education, Research and Innovation Area, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Camilla Virili
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Teresa Ruberto
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Ceriani
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Arnoldo Piccardo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Tamburello A, Treglia G, Albano D, Bertagna F, Giovanella L. Prevalence and clinical significance of focal incidental 18F-FDG uptake in different organs: an evidence-based summary. Clin Transl Imaging 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-017-0253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Spencer-Bonilla G, Singh Ospina N, Rodriguez-Gutierrez R, Brito JP, Iñiguez-Ariza N, Tamhane S, Erwin PJ, Murad MH, Montori VM. Systematic reviews of diagnostic tests in endocrinology: an audit of methods, reporting, and performance. Endocrine 2017; 57:18-34. [PMID: 28585154 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews provide clinicians and policymakers estimates of diagnostic test accuracy and their usefulness in clinical practice. We identified all available systematic reviews of diagnosis in endocrinology, summarized the diagnostic accuracy of the tests included, and assessed the credibility and clinical usefulness of the methods and reporting. METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to December 2015 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting accuracy measures of diagnostic tests in endocrinology. Experienced reviewers independently screened for eligible studies and collected data. We summarized the results, methods, and reporting of the reviews. We performed subgroup analyses to categorize diagnostic tests as most useful based on their accuracy. RESULTS We identified 84 systematic reviews; half of the tests included were classified as helpful when positive, one-fourth as helpful when negative. Most authors adequately reported how studies were identified and selected and how their trustworthiness (risk of bias) was judged. Only one in three reviews, however, reported an overall judgment about trustworthiness and one in five reported using adequate meta-analytic methods. One in four reported contacting authors for further information and about half included only patients with diagnostic uncertainty. CONCLUSION Up to half of the diagnostic endocrine tests in which the likelihood ratio was calculated or provided are likely to be helpful in practice when positive as are one-quarter when negative. Most diagnostic systematic reviews in endocrine lack methodological rigor, protection against bias, and offer limited credibility. Substantial efforts, therefore, seem necessary to improve the quality of diagnostic systematic reviews in endocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Spencer-Bonilla
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Naykky Singh Ospina
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rene Rodriguez-Gutierrez
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital "Dr. Jose E. Gonzalez", Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, MX, USA
| | - Juan P Brito
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nicole Iñiguez-Ariza
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shrikant Tamhane
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - M Hassan Murad
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Preventive, Occupational, and Aerospace Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Victor M Montori
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Hagenimana N, Dallaire J, Vallée É, Belzile M. Thyroid incidentalomas on 18FDG-PET/CT: a metabolico-pathological correlation. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 46:22. [PMID: 28320460 PMCID: PMC5359908 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-017-0200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid incidentaloma is defined as an unsuspected thyroid lesion found on imaging study or while performing a surgery non-related to the thyroid gland. Most recent scientific literature tends to demonstrate a detection rate of 0.1–4.3% for incidental findings of thyroid focal uptake identified by 18F-fluorodeoxyglugose Positron Emission Tomography with computed tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) initially prescribed for nonthyroid disease. From 10.3 to 80.0% of patients who underwent further evaluation are diagnosed with malignant lesions. Our first objective is to determine the risk of malignancy confined in thyroid incidentalomas(IT) detected on 18FDG-PET/CT in patients treated in a tertiary care center (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke). Second, we want to identify a cut-off value for SUVmax in order to distinguish benign from malignant IT. Third, we look for predictive criterion that can be outlined to help in their management. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 40 914 charts of patients who had a 18FDG-PET/CT done in a tertiary center from 2004 to 2014. For each patient where a thyroid incidentaloma has been identified, Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax), ultrasound report, cytology and histopathological results as well as oncologic outcomes were compiled and analyzed. Results In this study, the incidence for thyroid incidentaloma detected with 18FDG-PET/CT is 0.74%. The rate of malignancy present in IT is 8.2% based on histopathological results. Of the patients who underwent surgery, thyroid malignancy was identified in 54.3% of them. Cytoponction showed a strong correlation with final histopathological results (p = 0.009). Conclusion Thyroid incidentalomas detected with 18FDG-PET/CT are relatively infrequent, but the potential risk of malignancy remains elevated. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is the investigation of choice to rule out a malignant incidentaloma when there is no other element in the clinical portrait to preclude such additional work up.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hagenimana
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - J Dallaire
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - É Vallée
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - M Belzile
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Agrawal K, Weaver J, Ul-Hassan F, Jeannon JP, Simo R, Carroll P, Hubbard JG, Chandra A, Mohan HK. Incidence and Significance of Incidental Focal Thyroid Uptake on (18)F-FDG PET Study in a Large Patient Cohort: Retrospective Single-Centre Experience in the United Kingdom. Eur Thyroid J 2015; 4:115-22. [PMID: 26279997 PMCID: PMC4521059 DOI: 10.1159/000431319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and pathological nature of incidental focal thyroid uptake on (18)F-FDG (2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose) PET (positron emission tomography) and examine the role of the maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) to differentiate benign from malignant thyroid pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS (18)F-FDG PET reports were retrospectively reviewed. Incidental focal tracer uptake in the thyroid was noted in 147 patients (0.5%). Patients with known primary thyroid malignancy were excluded. The final diagnosis was made following ultrasonography of the neck, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or histopathology of the surgically resected specimen where surgery was indicated. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the SUVmax of benign and malignant thyroid pathology. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify an SUVmax cutoff in differentiating benign from malignant pathology. RESULTS A final diagnosis was achieved in 47/147 (32%) of the patients. The diagnoses included benign lesions in 36 patients and malignancy in 9 patients. In 2 patients, FNAC demonstrated indeterminate follicular lesions; however, surgical excision was not performed. There was a highly significant difference in the mean SUVmax of malignant focal thyroid uptake (15.7 ± 5.9) compared to that of benign lesions (7.1 ± 6.8) with a p value of 0.000123. An SUVmax of 9.1 achieved a sensitivity of 81.6%, specificity of 100% and area under the curve of 0.915 in the ROC analysis differentiating benign from malignant disease. CONCLUSION The malignancy potential of incidental focal thyroid uptake remains high and warrants prompt and appropriate follow-up by the clinician. The SUVmax may aid in further characterisation of the lesion and its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanhaiyalal Agrawal
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- *Dr. Kanhaiyalal Agrawal, MBBS, MD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE19RT (UK), E-Mail
| | - James Weaver
- Departments of King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fahim Ul-Hassan
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Departments of Clinical PET Centre, King's College London, UK
| | - Jean-Pierre Jeannon
- Departments of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ricard Simo
- Departments of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paul Carroll
- Departments of Consultant Endocrinologist, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Johnathan G. Hubbard
- Departments of Consultant Endocrine Surgeon, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ashish Chandra
- Departments of Histopathology/Cytology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hosahalli Krishnamurthy Mohan
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Departments of Clinical PET Centre, King's College London, UK
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