Immunoradiometric assay for human thyroglobulin and variations in thyroid pathology

A specific and sensitive double antibody radioimmunoassay for measuring human serum thyroglobulin (Tg) has been developed. Serum Tg levels are reported for patients with differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas, post-treated and untreated hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, and cold nodular goiters. The authors have studied results of serum Tg levels in the follow-up and care of patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Tg has no diagnostic value in the detection of thyroid cancer, but is a reliable index of metastatic growth in the follow-up of patients with differentiated carcinomas. In addition, serum Tg determination might be helpful in the aetiological diagnosis of bone or lung metastases of unknown origin. (Auth.)