SCINTIGRAPHY EVALUATION OF HYPERTHYROIDISM, HYPOTHYROIDISM, AND EUTHYROIDISM AND ITS CORRELATION WITH BIOCHEMICAL PROFILES

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and euthyroid functional states, are considered major endocrine health problems worldwide. Due to lacking the definite differentiation of various conditions, management will differ according to etiology. Biochemical profiles using TSH, T3, T4 are extensively used but often cannot define the exact functional pattern. Thyroid scintigraphy is a functional imaging test that represents how the thyroid gland works by evaluating how much tracer it takes in. It helps doctors pinpoint abnormal areas based on increased or decreased uptake. Objective: To assess thyroid scintigraphy findings in patients with suspected thyroid dysfunction and correlate imaging patterns with biochemical thyroid markers to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 93 patients who experience thyroid scintigraphy and thyroid function tests at diagnostic centers in Punjab, Pakistan. Hormonal values (TSH, T3, T4) were examine to group patients biochemically. Scintigraphy uptake patterns (increased, normal, reduced, absent) were compared with biochemical status. Descriptive and cross-tabulated analysis was performed. Results: Biochemically, 48 patients were euthyroid, 23 hypothyroid, and 22 hyperthyroid. Scintigraphy classified 34 as euthyroid, 32 hypothyroid, and 27 hyperthyroid. Hyperthyroid patients show remarkably increased tracer uptake with suppressed TSH (mean 0.18 μIU/mL) and elevated T3 (4.30 ng/mL) and T4 (215.77 ng/dL). Hypothyroid patients demonstrated reduced or absent uptake with high TSH (10.51 μIU/mL). Although 48 patients were biochemically euthyroid, 14 of them showed abnormal scintigraphy, indicating subclinical or structural disease. The overall correlation between scintigraphy and biochemical results are approximately 85%. Conclusion: Thyroid scintigraphy provides important functional information that supplement biochemical testing and increases diagnostic accuracy. It is particularly helpful for differentiating Graves’ disease, toxic nodular goiter, thyroiditis, and detecting subclinical abnormalities in euthyroid patient. Combined evaluation should be included in routine thyroid assessment for precise classification and optimal management.