The use of dual phase Tl-201 thyroid scan for equivocal fine-needle aspiration results in cold thyroid nodules

We assessed the usefulness of dual phase Tl-201 thyroid scan for equivocal fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy results to differentiate malignant from benign lesions. The findings of the dual phase Tl-201 thyroid scan were co mpared with those of surgical histopathology for 27 patients with cold thyr oid nodules. The FNA results were assessed and classified by experienced pa thologists equivocal FNS results. Dual phase thyroid scan, including an ear ly image and a delayed image, were acquired 10 minutes and 3 hours, respect ively after mCi (74 MBq) of Tl-201 was injected intravenously. Dual phase T l-201 thyroid scan findings were visually interpreted as positive or negati ve results. Based on the final diagnoses of the surgical histopathology res ults, the dual phase Tl thyroid scan shoed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%, 90%, and 96%, respectively. We concluded that dual phase Tl-201 thyroid scan was very helpful in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules when FNA results were equivocal.