Imaging study of thyroid dysfunction in patients (Review Article)

Abstract

The thyroid imaging has evolved from early radionuclide thyroid scanning to the development of the advanced technique of SPECT, PET and fusion imaging. The advancement in cross-sectional techniques such as USG, CT and MRI has further improved the evaluation of intrathyroid pathologies. OCT has supplemented the imaging for better selection of patients for operation.
Ultrasound can be used as the primary imaging modality for guiding treatment of patients with CH, potentially decreasing radiation exposure and cost. Scintigraphy can be reserved for the few patients with equivocal ultrasound findings, such as hypoplastic thyroid gland.