A Rare False-Positive Whole-Body Scan in a Patient With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Unilateral Conjunctival Concretions

Clin Nucl Med. 2024 May 1;49(5):451-453. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000005155. Epub 2024 Mar 29.

Abstract

131 I has been used effectively over the years in both diagnosis and therapy of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Although whole-body scan with 131 I is a highly sensitive tool for detecting normal thyroid tissue and metastasis of DTC, it is not specific; therefore, false-positive images can be seen in clinical practice, and their recognition is critical for correct management. Evaluation of false-positive uptake is important because it may be confused with metastatic involvement. Here, we present a rare false-positive result of whole-body scan in a patient with DTC. To our knowledge, it is the first report on 131 I uptake of conjunctival concretions.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Whole Body Imaging

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes