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Visualization of Suppressed Thyroid Tissue by Technetium-99m-Tertiary Butyl Isonitrile: An Alternative to Post-TSH Stimulation Scanning

Radiation Medicine Centre, (B.A.R.C.), Tata Memorial Centre Annexe, Parel, Bombay, India

Correspondence: For reprints contact: P. Ramanathan, Radiation Medicine Centre (B.A.R.C.), Tata Memorial Centre Annexe, Jerbai Wadia Rd., Parel, Bombay 400 012, India.

ABSTRACT

The autonomously functioning thyroid nodule (AFTN) is a discrete, nodular structure which operates independently of pituitary control and without relation to the remaining thyroid tissue. Presently, for the visualization of a suppressed thyroid lobe, a patient has to undergo the thyrotropin (TSH) stimulation test, which has several disadvantages. In this study we have used tertiary butyl isonitrile (^99mTc-TBI), well known as a myocardial imaging agent, for visualization of the suppressed lobe. Thirteen of fourteen patients studied demonstrated a contralateral lobe on ^99mTc-TBI scan which was not visualized with a ^99mTcO₄ or ¹³¹I scan. Although it is not possible to demonstrate the autonomous nature of the hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule using ^99mTc-TBI, we conclude that it is feasible to use this agent to visualize the lobe without the TSH test.

FOOTNOTES

^* Current Address: Radiopharmaceutical Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay, India.