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Chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with micronodular lung metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Journal Article · · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

Forty thoracic CT scans have been performed on 27 patients with micronodular lung metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Lung nodules were visualized in 14 out of 19 patients (78%) with functioning lung metastases, although their chest X rays were normal. However, only a small number of peripheral micronodules can be visualized by CT scan since the central micronodules remain undistinguishable from adjacent vessel structures. A close relationship has been found between the number of micronodules and the thyroglobulin (Tg) serum level. In patients previously treated by /sup 131/I for proven lung metastases and who had no uptake for several years, but in whom Tg remained detectable in the serum, CT scans have shown micronodules in 7 of the 13 patients with normal chest x rays. The present data suggest that these nodules are mainly a result of fibrosis. CT scanning appears to be an important complementary tool with regard to /sup 131/I whole body scintigraphies in the radiologic diagnosis of lung nodules and in the assessment of radioiodine therapy.

Research Organization:
Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France
OSTI ID:
5409202
Journal Information:
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 11:5; ISSN IOBPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English