Scintigraphic patterns in thyroid disease in Nairobi

Abstract

Introduction Scintigraphy using technetium pertechnetate is a readily available tool for showing physiological activity, or lack of it, within the thyroid gland. The correct interpretation of thyroid scans is critical in the appropriate management of patients. It has diagnostic and therapeutic value. Objectives The aim of the study was to ascertain the age and sex distribution; establish the speciality of the referring doctor and indications for which they requested thyroid scintigraphy; know the relative frequency of thyroid conditions and to underline the importance of scintigraphy in the diagnosis of thyroid conditions. Methods This was a one year prospective descriptive-study from January 2005 to December 2005 undertaken at MITe. It included all consecutive patients seen during the period of study with suspected thyroid pathology referred to the centre for scintigraphy. Results A total of 86 cases were recorded over a one year period. Of these patients, the physicians and endocrinologists referred 68.6%. The majority of the patients (36.1%) were investigated for hyperthyroidism. Diffusely increased localization was the most frequent scintigraphic pattern observed in 29.5%. Overall there was statistically significant female sex predominance with a female-to-male ratio of 2:7:1. Conclusion The management of asignificant number of patients was aided based on the results of the scintigraphic examination. Thus thyroid scintigraphy is an important tool for guiding clinical and surgical decisions.