Thyroid Imaging: Non-Isotopic Techniques

Clinical examination and evaluation of thyroid function remain fundamental in the evaluation of thyroid disorders, but observer variation leads to a considerable heterogeneity in the evaluation of patients with suspected thyroid disease. Thus, it is not surprising that imaging of the thyroid is often performed. Although it most often cannot distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, and its clinical value is thought to be limited, a recent survey confirms the value of ultrasonography (US) in euthyroid patients with a solitary thyroid nodule. The thyroid gland can be evaluated by several non-isotopic imaging techniques. The most commonly used are US, CT, and MRI. Each method has advantages and limitations, and there is no absolute clinical indication for performing any of these imaging procedures in most patients.