ABSTRACT
The value of thyroid scintigraphy in hyperthyroidism diagnosis has long been the subject of debate. Unresolved issue is whether scintigraphy should be performed routinely, selectively, or for all hyperthyroidism patients. So, this study is concerned with the evaluation of thyroid scintigraphy for identifying hyperthyroidism in comparison with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and ultrasound. This is cross sectional study including convenient patients sample (n = 50, 15 males and 35 females) aged (20-50 years) with primary hyperthyroidism and were attending endocrine clinics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. All patients performed clinical investigations (TSH, ultrasound and thyroid scintigraphy). Among these patients, 96%, 48/50, had positive findings for hyperthyroidism with thyroid SC (95% CI; 96.0-99.5%); 84%, 42/50, had positive findings for hyperthyroidism by US (95% CI; 70.9-92.8%); and 56%, 28/50, had positive findings for hyperthyroidism by TSH measurement (95% CI; 41.3.0-70.0%). There was very good agreement between scintigraphy diagnosis and ultrasonography (kappa score = 0.812 (P < 0.0001), 95% CI (0.77-0.85). In many cases, scintigraphy provides considerably more functioning and anatomic details than ultrasound. In conclusion, these findings bring forth practical aspects of thyroid scintigraphy utilization for hyperthyroidism. By combining functional and anatomical information in one step, scintigraphy provides non-invasive, simple, fast and cost effective hyperthyroidism diagnostic method and has the potential to replace TSH and ultrasonography in hyperthyroidism investigation.
ABSTRACT
The introduction of PET/CT at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre for whole body and brain imaging has become favourable for diagnosis of cancer. There is no data available on the PET/CT dose to staff and members of the public for different activities of (18)F [fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)] and for longer patient holding time. The study aims to determine and evaluate staff and public doses by using thermoluminescent dosemeters monthly readings for a 7-month deployment period and by using direct measurements of dose rates at 30 cm and 1 m distances from the patients after injection. The whole body doses per procedure and per administered activity of (18)F (FDG) were estimated. A dose map inside the PET/CT was generated to provide information of the dose levels in different locations. The Pearson correlation showed a strong correlation (r(2) = 0.71) between the dose per activity and the number of patients. Optimisation of radiation protection of staff and members of the public was investigated and recommendations were given.
