Radionuclide method for functional and structural examination of the thyroidal gland with 99mTc-pertechnetate

The objective of the current study is the introduction of a complex radionuclide method for examination of the functional and structural condition of the thyroidal gland into routine clinical practice. The method includes intra venal injection of 74 MBq 99mTc pertechnetate, thyroidal gland scintigraphy and precise calculation of the radio-marker accumulation in accordance with the specified activity. One hundred and eighty two patients (159 women and 23 men, aged 19 to 80), suffering from various failures of the thyroidal gland, have been examined for the current study. In order to diagnostically examine the functional condition of the thyroidal gland, all patients have received detailed follow up of thyreo-stimulating hormone levels, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg-Ab) and microsomal antibodies (MAT). The accumulation of the 99mTc pertechnetate in euthyroidal conditions (117 patients) was approximately 1,06% ± 0.42, in hyperthyroidal conditions (54 patients) it was 4,55% ± 3,02, while in hypothyroidal conditions (11 patients) it was 0,22 ± 0.11. The above method provides quick and precise diagnostic information, at the same also performing as a screening definition while differentiating euthyroidal of hyperthyroidal function of the thyroidal gland. Furthermore, we may define the shape, size, location and the structure of the gland, as well as the mass, volume and the surface, necessary for the further medical strategy. (authors)