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Value of 131I SPECT/CT for the evaluation of differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review of the literature

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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

In the present study, we performed a systematic review of the current literature to assess the incremental value of 131I single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT for the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Methods

The search of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies and reference lists for articles was conducted using the terms “SPECT or SPECT/CT or SPECT-CT or single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and thyroid carcinoma or thyroid cancer.” Studies reporting the clinical value of 131I SPECT/CT were selected. All studies included were assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool (QUADAS-2). Two independent reviewers selected the studies, summarized and tabulated the data, and pooled estimates were obtained. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Results

A total of 14 studies involving 1,066 patients met the inclusion criteria. Data obtained included the impact of 131I SPECT/CT on staging or risk classification (three studies), diagnostic accuracy (six studies), and follow-up (five studies).

Conclusion

Integrated SPECT/CT is a useful tool for the diagnosis, staging, risk stratification, and follow-up of DTC. The impact of 131I SPECT/CT on the management of patients with thyroid cancer was evaluated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 600 Yishan Rd., Shanghai, 200233, China

    Yan-Li Xue, Zhong-Ling Qiu, Hong-Jun Song & Quan-Yong Luo

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  1. Yan-Li Xue
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  2. Zhong-Ling Qiu
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Correspondence to Quan-Yong Luo.

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Xue, YL., Qiu, ZL., Song, HJ. et al. Value of 131I SPECT/CT for the evaluation of differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review of the literature. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 40, 768–778 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-012-2310-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-012-2310-x

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