Ukihide Tateishi MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Homer Aquino Macapinlac MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Research grant & Speakers Bureau, GE Healthcare Consultant & Speakers Bureau, Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc. Consultant & Speakers Bureau, Radiology Corporation of America Consultant & Speakers Bureau, Cardinal Health Consultant & Speakers Bureau, International Atomic Energy Agency

Cristina Gamez MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shaheenah Dawood MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Henry Yeung MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Massimo Cristofanilli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thyroid uptake is often seen in cancerous patients and healthy subjects. On the other hand, there is clinical correlation of thyroid disorders and invasive breast cancer risk. The aim of the present study was to clarify the causes of abnormal uptake in the thyroid gland on PET-CT in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.  

For retrospective review, F-18 FDG PET-CT were performed sequentially in a total of 157 patients (mean age, 53 years; range, 23-88 years; all women) with locally advanced breast cancer. The mean numbers of PET-CT examinations were five times per patient. Two observers analyzed the images and reached a consensus. Morphologic patterns and parenchymal density were evaluated using CT portion of PET-CT. FDG uptake patterns and standardized uptake value (SUV) were analyzed to evaluate metabolic changes. PET-CT findings were compared with clinical and pathophysiological results.

Among 157 patients, increased uptake was observed in 40 patients (25%). Three patterns of FDG uptake were identified: focal (n=5, 13%), diffuse bilateral (n=30, 79%), and diffuse unilateral (n=3, 8%). Patients who showed diffuse bilateral uptake and significant changes were associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT: n=28, 70%). Other causes of thyroid uptake were multinodular goiter (n=2), thyroid carcinoma (n=2), radiation induced injury (n=1), and not otherwise specified (n=7). However, two patients had active HT and 14 patients were treated HT among 117 patients with normal thyroid uptake. The proportion of active HT was significantly associated with thyroid uptake (p<0.05).

Diffuse bilateral uptake of thyroid gland was associated with active HT in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.  

Diffuse bilateral uptake of thyroid gland was associated with active HT in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.  

Tateishi, U, Macapinlac, H, Gamez, C, Dawood, S, Yeung, H, Cristofanilli, M, Clinical Implications of Thyroid Uptake at PET-CT in Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6015374.html