Clinical significance of focal and diffuse thyroid diseases identified by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography

Abstract

18F-Fluorodeoxiglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) thyroid incidentalomas are defined abnormal FDG uptake in the thyroid gland found at PET scan performed as part of a staging protocol and follow-up of patients with various kinds of malignancies. In the present study we report two cases of FDG PET thyroid incidentalomas, and review the literature with regard to the meaning of this new category of thyroid “disease”. Since the advent of whole body FDG PET scan, a relatively high incidence of cases of thyroid FDG uptake has been reported as an incidental finding as in one of our patient. Focal uptake was found to be more likely associated to a malignant lesion, while a diffuse thyroid uptake to a benign thyroid disease. However, differential diagnosis is difficult, and reported data in literature are somewhat discordant. A focal thyroid uptake of FDG incidentally discovered at PET scan cannot be invariably considered a malignant thyroid nodule, however a prompt and complete work-up including laboratory examinations, ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology, should be obtained to exclude a thyroid carcinoma. On the other hand, patients with a PET finding of diffuse FDG uptake can be considered at low risk of malignancy, being more likely associated to chronic thyroiditis or diffuse thyroid autonomy.