Dual-source CT evaluation on correlation between thyroid function and thyroid iodine concentration / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the correlation of thyroid function and mean iodine concentration, total iodine of thyroid measured with dual-source CT, so as to provide a basis for assessment of iodine nutritional status and thyroid function. Methods: Dual-energy scanning of neck was performed on 37 patients with suspected neck and cervical vertebrae disease using dual-source CT. The mean iodine concentration and the volume of thyroid gland were measured, then total thyroid iodine was calculated. The thyroid function [free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3) and total thyroxine (TT4)] were tested. The correlations of the mean iodine concentration, total iodine of thyroid and thyroid function in adults were analyzed. Results: The average iodine concentration, volume and total iodine content of thyroid tissue were (1.34±0.47)mg/ml, (12.64±3.98)ml and (16.62±7.69)mg in adult, respectively. The total iodine content of thyroid was positively correlated with FT3 (r=0.506, P<0.05), while negatively correlated with TSH (r=-0.326,P<0.05). The mean thyroid iodine concentration was positively correlated with FT3 or TT3 (r=0.461, 0.363, both P<0.05). Conclusion: Dual-source CT can measure total iodine content and mean iodine concentration of thyroid, which is helpful to evaluating thyroid function and body iodine nutritional status and providing evidences for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases. In adults, there are negative correlation of the total iodine content of thyroid and TSH, positive correlation of the total iodine content of thyroid and FT3, the mean thyroid iodine concentration and FT3 or TT3.