Detectable thyroglobulin with negative imaging in differentiated thyroid cancer patients

Summary

In the absence of autoantibodies against thyroglobulin (Tg), Tg measurement nowadays is the cornerstone of clinical management of differentiated thyroid cancer patients. DTC patients presenting with a positive Tg measurement without an anatomical correlate on anatomic imaging provide a management challenge to the attending physician.

Based on the literature we will provide an overview of the most important steps to undertake in such patients and their potential clinical consequences.

Zusammenfassung

In Abwesenheit von Antikörpern gegen Thyreoglobulin (Tg) stellt die Messung des Tg heutzutage die wichtigste Komponente der klinischen Versorgung von Patienten mit einem differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinom (DTC) dar. Patienten mit DTC, die mit einem nachweisbaren Tg-Spiegel ohne anatomisches Korrelat in der anatomischen Bildgebung auffällig werden, stellen für den behandelnden Arzt eine Herausforderung in der Versorgung dar.

Auf Basis der verfügbaren Literatur werden wir hier einen Überblick der wichtigsten Schritte geben, welche bei solchen Patienten durchlaufen werden müssen sowie deren mögliche klinische Konsequenzen.

Keywords

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma - thyroglobulin - whole body scan - positron emission tomography

Schlüsselwörter

Differenziertes Schilddrüsenkarzinom - Thyreo globulin - Ganzkörperszintigraphie - Positronen emissionstomographie

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