Comparative Evaluation of Recombinant Human Thyrotropin-Stimulated Thyroglobulin Levels,¹³¹I Whole-Body Scintigraphy, and Neck Ultrasonography in the Follow-Up of Patients with Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma Who Have Not Undergone Radioiodine Therapy

Abstract

For the initial follow-up of PTMC patients without risk factors and anti-Tg antibodies and who did not undergo radioiodine treatment: 1) WBS is useless; 2) US is highly sensitive in detecting node metastases; and 3) detectable rhTSH-Tg levels mainly depend on small normal tissue remnants. In this subgroup of PTMC patients, neck US might be regarded as a primary tool for the initial follow-up.