Determination of the functional characteristics of thyroid nodules through nuclear medicine images in patients, who attended the Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud - UNA, in the period 2016-2019

Abstract

Introduction:

The images obtained by nuclear medicine allow to visualize the structure and function of an organ, tissue, bone or system inside the body, including the thyroid gland, which can present a thyroid nodule and this is important to diagnose for its potential malignancy.

Objective:

To determine the functional characteristics of the thyroid nodules were determined in 183 patients, who attended the Nuclear Medicine Service at the Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud during the period of November 2016 - November 2019.

Methodology:

It was used the dual head SPECT gamma camera following a standardized protocol with administration of sodium pertechnetate.

Result:

It was observed that most of the patients corresponded to the female sex 89 %, as well as that 64% came from the capital and the central department. The pathologies detected corresponded to goiter in 82%, 15% to nodules (hypercaptant, hypocaptant and autonoms) and particular cases of thyroiditis, ectopic thyroid and toxic adenoma. Nuclear medicine is directly involved both in the diagnosis and in the treatment of thyroid disease, therefore it requires an understanding of the pathophysiology and management of thyroid disorders in order that public health policies are implemented for strengthening the fight against these diseases.

Conclusion:

The research carried out showed that a majority percentage of female participants (89%), with thyroid diseases attended IICS / UNA, and the frequency of goiter among all patients who participated in this study was 151/183 ( 82%), the patients mostly they came the reference hospitals in the Central department and coincide with the geographic location of the patients' homes, who tested mainly from the same Central department 118/183 (64%), also participate in the research work patients from other departments of the country.