1
|
|
2
|
Ciappuccini R, Licaj I, Lasne-Cardon A, Babin E, de Raucourt D, Blanchard D, Bastit V, Saguet-Rysanek V, Lequesne J, Peyronnet D, Grellard JM, Clarisse B, Bardet S. 18F-Fluorocholine Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography is a Highly Sensitive but Poorly Specific Tool for Identifying Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules with Indeterminate Cytology: The Chocolate Study. Thyroid 2021; 31:800-809. [PMID: 33183159 PMCID: PMC8110014 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Refining the risk of malignancy in patients presenting with thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology (IC) is a critical challenge. We investigated the performances of 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to predict malignancy. Methods: Between May 2016 and March 2019, 107 patients presenting with a thyroid nodule ≥15 mm with IC and eligible for surgery were included in this prospective study. Head-and-neck PET/CT acquisitions were performed 20 and 60 minutes after injection of 1.5 MBq/kg of FCH. PET/CT acquisition was scored positive when maximal standardized uptake value in the IC nodule was higher than in the thyroid background. Pathology was the gold standard for diagnosis. Results: At pathology, 19 (18%) nodules were malignant, 87 were benign, and one was a noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive-predictive value (PPV), and negative-predictive value (NPV) of FCH PET/CT in detecting cancer or NIFTP were 90%, 50%, 55%, 29%, and 96% at 20 minutes and 85%, 49%, 67%, 28%, and 94% at 60 minutes, respectively. Higher specificity (58% vs. 33%, p = 0.01) was observed in nononcocytic (n = 72) than in oncocytic IC nodules (n = 35). The pre-PET/CT probability of cancer or NIFTP in Bethesda III-IV nodules was 11% and the post-PET/CT probability was 19% in PET-positives and 0% in PET-negatives. In retrospective analysis, 42% of surgeries would have been unnecessary after PET/CT and 81% before (p < 0.001), resulting in a hypothetical 48% reduction (95% confidence interval [32-64]). Conclusions: FCH PET/CT offers high NPV to reliably exclude cancer in PET-negative IC nodules, but suffers from low PPV, particularly in those with oncocytic cytology. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02784223.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Ciappuccini
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Unit, François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
- INSERM 1086 ANTICIPE, Caen University, Caen, France
- Address correspondence to: Renaud Ciappuccini, MD, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Unit, François Baclesse Cancer Centre, 3 Avenue Général Harris, Caen, F-14000, France
| | - Idlir Licaj
- Department of Clinical Research and François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
| | - Audrey Lasne-Cardon
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
| | - Emmanuel Babin
- INSERM 1086 ANTICIPE, Caen University, Caen, France
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Caen, France
| | | | - David Blanchard
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hôpital Saint-Martin, Caen, France
| | - Vianney Bastit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
| | | | - Justine Lequesne
- Department of Clinical Research and François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
| | - Damien Peyronnet
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Jean-Michel Grellard
- Department of Clinical Research and François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
| | - Bénédicte Clarisse
- Department of Clinical Research and François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
| | - Stéphane Bardet
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Unit, François Baclesse Cancer Centre, Caen, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zampella E, Klain M, Pace L, Cuocolo A. PET/CT in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer. Diagn Interv Imaging 2021; 102:515-523. [PMID: 33926848 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The standard treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) consists of surgery followed by iodine-131 (131I) administration. Although the majority of DTC has a very good prognosis, more aggressive histologic subtypes convey a worse prognosis. Follow-up consists of periodically measurements of serum thyroglobulin, thyroglobulin antibodies and neck ultrasound and 123I/131I whole-body scan. However, undifferentiated thyroid tumors have a lower avidity for radioiodine and the ability of DTC to concentrate 131I may be lost in metastatic disease. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has been introduced in the evaluation of patients with thyroid tumors and the 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxyd-glucose (18F-FDG) has been largely validated as marker of cell's metabolism. According to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines, 18F-FDG PET/CT is recommended in the follow-up of high-risk patients with elevated serum thyroglobulin and negative 131I imaging, in the assessment of metastatic patients, for lesion detection and risk stratification and in predicting the response to therapy. It should be considered that well-differentiated iodine avid lesions could not concentrate 18F-FDG, and a reciprocal pattern of iodine and 18F-FDG uptake has been observed. Beyond 18F-FDG, other tracers are available for PET imaging of thyroid tumors, such as Iodine-124 (124I), 18F-tetrafluoroborate and Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen. Moreover, the recent introduction of PET/MRI, offers now several opportunities in the field of patients with DTC. This review summarizes the evidences on the role of PET/CT in management of patients with DTC, focusing on potential applications and on elucidating some still debating points.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Zampella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Michele Klain
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Leonardo Pace
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Alberto Cuocolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rager O, Radojewski P, Dumont RA, Treglia G, Giovanella L, Walter MA. Radioisotope imaging for discriminating benign from malignant cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Gland Surg 2019; 8:S118-S125. [PMID: 31475099 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2019.03.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytological classification (Bethesda III-IV) ranges from 10% to 40%, and early delineation is essential as delays in diagnosis can be associated with increased mortality. Several radioisotope imaging techniques are available for discriminating benign from malignant cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, and for supporting clinical decision-making. These techniques include iodine-123, technetium-99m-pertechnetate, technetium-99m-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (technetium-99m-MIBI), and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (fluorine-18-FDG). This review discusses the currently available radioisotope imaging techniques for evaluation of thyroid nodules, including the mechanism of radiotracer uptake and the indications for their use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Rager
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,IMGE (Imagerie Moléculaire Genève), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Radojewski
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca A Dumont
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Martin A Walter
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ruhlmann M, Ruhlmann J, Görges R, Herrmann K, Antoch G, Keller HW, Ruhlmann V. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography May Exclude Malignancy in Sonographically Suspicious and Scintigraphically Hypofunctional Thyroid Nodules and Reduce Unnecessary Thyroid Surgeries. Thyroid 2017; 27:1300-1306. [PMID: 28793848 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate whether 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is useful in the further characterization of sonographically suspicious and scintigraphically hypofunctional thyroid nodules. METHODS Sixty-five patients with sonographically suspicious thyroid nodules that were hypofunctional on 99m-Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy (diameter >1 cm) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent evaluation with FDG-PET/CT. Thyroid nodules were sonographically categorized by Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) criteria. FDG uptake in the thyroid nodules was visually compared to the remainder of the thyroid tissue and categorized as pathological or non-pathological. In cases of pathologically increased uptake, maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the suspicious nodule and the perinodular thyroid tissue were determined. Depending on the results of the FDG-PET/CT, patients underwent thyroid surgery (pathological FDG uptake) or follow-up examinations (non-pathological FDG uptake). The endpoints for comparison with the FDG uptake were either histological results or sonographic follow-up examinations of at least five years. RESULTS In 18/65 (28%) patients, PET/CT showed visually pathological FDG uptake in the suspicious thyroid nodules (SUVmax 7.1 ± 4.6). Of these nodules, 3/18 (17%) were sonographically categorized as TIRADS 4a, 11/18 (61%) nodules as TIRADS 4b, 3/18 (17%) nodules as TIRADS 4c, and 1/18 (6%) nodule as TIRADS 5. The other nodules without pathological FDG uptake were categorized as TIRADS 4a in 24/47 (51%) patients, as TIRADS 4b in 18/47 (38%), and as TIRADS 4c in 5/47 (11%) patients. Twenty-three patients (18 FDG positive, 5 FDG negative) underwent surgery. The other patients underwent follow-up examinations with stability on observation over at least five years as a surrogate endpoint. Taking into consideration that FDG-PET/CT was rated as true negative in 42/47 patients with stability on sonographic follow-up, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDG-PET/CT in detecting malignancy in the suspicious thyroid nodules were 100%, 87%, 61%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION FDG-PET/CT allows stratification of patients with sonographically suspicious and scintigraphically hypofunctional thyroid nodules with a positive predictive value of 61% and negative predictive value of 100%. The absence of visually pathological FDG uptake in suspicious thyroid nodules may be useful for avoiding unnecessary thyroid surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Ruhlmann
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
- 2 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Duesseldorf , Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Ruhlmann
- 3 Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Medizin Center Bonn , Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Görges
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Ken Herrmann
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Gerald Antoch
- 2 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Duesseldorf , Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Wilhelm Keller
- 4 Department of Surgery, Malteser Krankenhaus Bonn/Rein-Sieg , Bonn, Germany
| | - Verena Ruhlmann
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim SK, So Y, Chung HW, Yoo YB, Park KS, Hwang TS, Kim B, Lee WW. Analysis of predictability of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT in the recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Cancer Med 2016; 5:2756-2762. [PMID: 27539659 PMCID: PMC5083728 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether preoperative F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can predict recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated the potential of primary tumor FDG avidity for the prediction of tumor recurrence in PTC patients. A total of 412 PTC patients (72 males, 340 females; age: 47.2 ± 12.2 years; range: 17-84 years) who underwent FDG-PET/CT prior to total thyroidectomy (n = 350), subtotal thyroidectomy (n = 2), or lobectomy (n = 60) from 2007 to 2011 were analyzed. The predictive ability for recurrence was investigated among various clinicopathological factors, BRAFV600E mutation, and preoperative FDG avidity of the primary tumor using Kaplan-Meier (univariate) and Cox proportional hazards regression (multivariate) analyses. Of the 412 patients, 19 (4.6%) experienced recurrence, which was confirmed either by pathology (n = 17) or high serum thyroglobulin level (n = 2), during a mean follow-up period of 43.9 ± 16.6 months. Of the 412 patients, 237 (57.5%) had FDG-avid tumors (maximum standardized uptake value, 7.1 ± 7.0; range: 1.6-50.5). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that tumor size (P = 0.0054), FDG avidity of the tumor (P = 0.0049), extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.0212), and lymph node (LN) stage (P < 0.0001) were significant predictors for recurrence. However, only LN stage remained a significant predictor in the multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001). Patients with FDG-avid tumors had higher LN stage (P < 0.0001), larger tumor size (P < 0.0001), and more frequent extrathyroidal extension (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, FDG avidity of the primary tumor in preoperative FDG-PET/CT could not predict the recurrence of PTC. LN stage was the only identified predictor of PTC recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suk Kyeong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young So
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Bioimaging Translational Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hyun Woo Chung
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Bum Yoo
- Department of Surgery, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Sik Park
- Department of Surgery, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Sook Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bokyung Kim
- Bioimaging Translational Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Woo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Piccardo A, Puntoni M, Treglia G, Foppiani L, Bertagna F, Paparo F, Massollo M, Dib B, Paone G, Arlandini A, Catrambone U, Casazza S, Pastorino A, Cabria M, Giovanella L. Thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology: prospective comparison between 18F-FDG-PET/CT, multiparametric neck ultrasonography, 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and histology. Eur J Endocrinol 2016; 174:693-703. [PMID: 26966173 DOI: 10.1530/eje-15-1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the role of (18)F-flurodeoxiglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT) in predicting malignancy of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analysed 87 patients who have been scheduled to undergo surgery for thyroid nodule with indeterminate cytology. All patients underwent (18)F-FDG-PET/CT, multiparametric neck ultrasonography (MPUS), and (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy ((99m)Tc-MIBI-scan). Histopathology was the standard of reference. We compared the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), accuracy (AC), positive (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) values of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT with those of (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan and MPUS in detecting cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated the association between each diagnostic tool and histopathology. RESULTS On histopathology, 69 out of 87 nodules were found to be benign and 18 to be malignant. The SE, SP, AC, PPV and NPV of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT were 94, 58, 66, 37 and 98% respectively. The SE, AC and NPV of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT were significantly higher than those of MPUS and (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan. The association of both positive (18)F-FDG-PET/CT and MPUS (FDG+/MPUS+) showed significantly lower SE (61% vs 94%) and NPV (88% vs 98%) than (18)F-FDG-PET/CT alone, but significantly higher SP (77% vs 58%). On univariate analysis, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT and the combination of FDG+/MPUS+ and of FDG+/MIBI- were all significantly associated with histopathology. On multivariate analysis, only FDG+/MIBI- was significantly associated with histopathology. CONCLUSION The AC of (18)F-FDG-PET /CT in detecting thyroid malignancy is higher than that of (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan and MPUS. A negative (18)F-FDG-PET/CT correctly predicts benign findings on histopathology. The association of FDG+/MPS+ is significantly more specific than (18)F-FDG-PET/CT alone in identifying differentiated thyroid cancer. A positive (18)F-FDG-PET/CT is significantly associated with malignancy when qualitative (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan is rated as negative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Piccardo
- Nuclear Medicine UnitOffice of the Scientific Director, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Puntoni
- Clinical Trial UnitOffice of the Scientific Director, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Treglia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT CentreOncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - L Foppiani
- Internal MedicineGalliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Bertagna
- Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Brescia and Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Paparo
- Department of RadiologyGalliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Massollo
- Nuclear Medicine UnitOffice of the Scientific Director, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - B Dib
- Nuclear Medicine UnitOffice of the Scientific Director, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Paone
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT CentreOncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - A Arlandini
- Department of SurgeryThyroid Centre, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - U Catrambone
- Department of SurgeryThyroid Centre, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Casazza
- Department of PathologyGalliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Pastorino
- Department of PathologyGalliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Cabria
- Nuclear Medicine UnitOffice of the Scientific Director, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT CentreOncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sager S, Vatankulu B, Erdogan E, Mut S, Teksoz S, Ozturk T, Sonmezoglu K, Kanmaz B. Comparison of F-18 FDG-PET/CT and Tc-99m MIBI in the preoperative evaluation of cold thyroid nodules in the same patient group. Endocrine 2015; 50:138-45. [PMID: 25795290 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that standardized uptake values of FDG-PET imaging might predict malignant thyroid nodules and can be used in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid lesions. The aim of our study was to evaluate FDG-PET imaging in patients with cold thyroid nodules and to compare the imaging findings with Tc-99m MIBI scans and with post-op histopathology results. Twenty-three patients (18F, 5M) with 24 nodules that were suspicious in ultrasound and cold in Tc-99m pertechnetate scan, were included in the study. Each nodule underwent sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. FDG-PET and MIBI scans were performed with an interval of 3-5 days. All patients underwent thyroidectomy and their FDG-PET, and MIBI thyroid scan results were compared with post-thyroidectomy pathology results. Post-op histopathology results found 7 malignant and 17 benign nodules. Six of the seven malignant nodules had increased uptake, which were positive for malignancy in both PET and MIBI scans. Each imaging method used different radiopharmaceuticals but showed one false-negative result in two different patients. FDG-PET produced false positives in eight nodules and MIBI scans found false positives in four nodules. FDG-PET imaging and MIBI scan showed the same sensitivity in malignant nodule evaluation, but their specificity differed. As a result, we suggest that FDG-PET imaging is not superior to MIBI scanning in differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules. MIBI imaging should be the first choice in the preoperative evaluation of patients with cold thyroid nodules as an adjunct procedure to FNAB because of its low cost and availability. This imaging technique can be used routinely in patients who are reluctant to undergo FNAB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sait Sager
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hurtado-López LM, Fernández-Ramírez F, Martínez-Peñafiel E, Ruiz JDC, González NEH. Molecular Analysis by Gene Expression of Mitochondrial ATPase Subunits in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Is ATP5E Transcript a Possible Early Tumor Marker? Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:1745-51. [PMID: 26079849 PMCID: PMC4482184 DOI: 10.12659/msm.893597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer development involves an "injury" to the respiratory machinery (Warburg effect) due to decreased or impaired mitochondrial function. This circumstance results in a down regulation of some of the ATPase subunits of the malignant tissue. The objective of this work was to assess and compare the relative expression of mRNA of mitochondrial ATPase subunits between samples of thyroid cancer and benign nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS Samples from 31 patients who had an operation for PTC at the General Hospital of Mexico were snap-frozen and stored at -70°C. Thirty-five patients who had an operation for benign tumors were also included in the study. mRNA expression levels of alpha, beta, gamma, and epsilon subunits of F1 and "c12" of subunit Fo were determined by real-time RT-PCR (by duplicate), in order to determine if abnormal expression of these genes could partially explain the Warburg effect in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). RESULTS ATP5E transcript alteration (down-expression) was highly associated to PTC diagnosis OR=11.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.245-237.98; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Relative down-expression of ATP5E transcript was highly associated with PTC diagnosis. This transcript alteration may be used as a tumoral marker in papillary thyroid cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Mauricio Hurtado-López
- Thyroid Clinic, Hospital General de Mexico, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico, Mexico
- Molecular Oncology, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Giovanella L, Ceriani L, Treglia G. Role of isotope scan, including positron emission tomography/computed tomography, in nodular goitre. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 28:507-18. [PMID: 25047202 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear medicine techniques were first used in clinical practice for diagnosing and treating thyroid diseases in the 1950s, and are still an integral part of thyroid nodules work-up. Thyroid imaging with iodine or iodine-analogue isotopes is the only examination able to prove the presence of autonomously functioning thyroid tissue, which excludes malignancy with a high probability. In addition, a thyroid scan with technetium-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile is able to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures for cytologically inconclusive thyroid nodules, as confirmed by meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness studies. Finally, positron emission tomography alone, and positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography scans with (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose are also promising for diagnosing thyroid diseases, but further studies are needed before introducing them to clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland; EOC Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Luca Ceriani
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland; EOC Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland; EOC Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Piccardo A, Puntoni M, Bertagna F, Treglia G, Foppiani L, Arecco F, Giubbini R, Naseri M, Cistaro A, Cabria M, Bardesono F, Ceriani L, Orlandi F, Giovanella L. 18F-FDG uptake as a prognostic variable in primary differentiated thyroid cancer incidentally detected by PET/CT: a multicentre study. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2014; 41:1482-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-014-2774-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
14
|
Pak K, Kim SJ, Kim IJ, Kim BH, Kim SS, Jeon YK. The role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in differentiated thyroid cancer before surgery. Endocr Relat Cancer 2013; 20:R203-13. [PMID: 23722225 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer in both men and women is increasing faster than that of any other cancer. Although positron emission tomography (PET) using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has received much attention, the use of FDG PET for the management of thyroid cancer is limited primarily to postoperative follow-up. However, it might have a role in selected, more aggressive pathologies, and so patients at a high risk of distant metastasis may benefit from PET before surgery. As less FDG-avid thyroid cancers may lower the diagnostic accuracy of PET in preoperative assessment, an understanding of FDG avidity is important for the evaluation of thyroid cancer. FDG avidity has been shown to be associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and glucose transporter expression and differentiation. As PET is commonly used in clinical practice, the detection of incidentalomas by PET is increasing. However, incidentalomas detected by PET have a high risk of malignancy. Clinicians handling cytologically indeterminate nodules face a dilemma regarding a procedure for a definitive diagnosis, usually lobectomy. With 'nondiagnostic (ND)' fine-needle biopsy (FNA), PET has shown a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, which indicates that negative uptake in a ND FNA procedure accurately excludes malignancy. With 'atypia of undetermined significance' or 'follicular neoplasm', the sensitivity and NPV of PET are 84 and 88%. PET does not provide additional information for the preoperative assessment of thyroid cancer. However, factors associated with FDG positivity are related to a poor prognosis; therefore, FDG PET scans before surgery may facilitate the prediction of the prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoungjune Pak
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Rufini V. PET and PET/CT imaging in thyroid and adrenal diseases: an update. Hormones (Athens) 2013; 12:327-33. [PMID: 24121375 DOI: 10.1007/bf03401299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) with different tracers are imaging methods increasingly used in patients with thyroid and adrenal diseases. The aim of this article is to provide an overview based on literature data about the usefulness of PET imaging in this setting. PET and PET/CT with different tracers have been used in patients with thyroid diseases including differentiated thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The usefulness of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT in assessing indeterminate thyroid nodules at fine needle aspiration biopsy and the clinical relevance of thyroid incidental 18F-FDG uptake has also been evaluated. Currently, great interest is being shown in a variety of PET tracers that target specific characteristics of adrenal gland function, allowing a more accurate characterization of adrenal masses and staging of adrenal tumors. Since PET/CT using different tracers is an expensive diagnostic tool which necessitates ionizing radiation exposure, cost-effectiveness studies are needed in order to define the appropriate use of this diagnostic method in various endocrine disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Treglia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Treglia G, Muoio B, Giovanella L, Salvatori M. The role of positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography in thyroid tumours: an overview. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 270:1783-7. [PMID: 23053387 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-012-2205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) with different tracers have been increasingly used in patients with thyroid tumours. The aim of this article is to perform an overview based on literature data about the usefulness of PET imaging in this setting. The role of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and PET/CT in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is well established, particularly in patients presenting with elevated serum thyroglobulin levels and negative radioiodine whole-body scan. Iodine-124 PET and PET/CT may serve a role in staging DTC and obtaining lesional dosimetry for a better and more rationale planning of treatment with Iodine-131. FDG-PET and PET/CT are useful in the post-thyroidectomy staging of high-risk patients with less differentiated histological subtypes. PET and PET/CT with different tracers seem to be useful methods in localizing the source of elevated calcitonin levels in patients with recurrent medullary thyroid carcinoma. Incorporation of FDG-PET or PET/CT into the initial workup of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules at fine needle aspiration biopsy deserves further investigation. FDG-PET report should suggest further evaluation when focal thyroid incidentalomas are described because these findings are associated with a significant risk of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Treglia
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Thyroid nodules are common entities, clinically important primarily because of their malignant potential. Serum thyrotropin and thyroid ultrasonography are pivotal in evaluating thyroid nodules. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is the most accurate tool for diagnosing malignancy and selecting candidates for surgery. An approach to the initial evaluation and management of single nodules, functioning nodules, multinodular glands, incidental nodules, and cysts is discussed, as are therapeutic interventions for benign nodules. Thyroid cancer discovered during pregnancy is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geanina Popoveniuc
- Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Section of Endocrinology, Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Jacqueline Jonklaas
- Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Corresponding author. Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Suite 230, Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The role of positron emission tomography computed tomography in oncological imaging has rapidly evolved. It has proven itself to be cost effective and alters patient management in a significant proportion of cases. This article discusses its current and future applications.
Collapse
|