Value of ¹³¹I SPECT/CT for the evaluation of differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review of the literature.

Abstract

In the present study, we performed a systematic review of the current literature to assess the incremental value of (131)I single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT for the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The search of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies and reference lists for articles was conducted using the terms "SPECT or SPECT/CT or SPECT-CT or single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and thyroid carcinoma or thyroid cancer." Studies reporting the clinical value of (131)I SPECT/CT were selected. All studies included were assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool (QUADAS-2). Two independent reviewers selected the studies, summarized and tabulated the data, and pooled estimates were obtained. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A total of 14 studies involving 1,066 patients met the inclusion criteria. Data obtained included the impact of (131)I SPECT/CT on staging or risk classification (three studies), diagnostic accuracy (six studies), and follow-up (five studies). Integrated SPECT/CT is a useful tool for the diagnosis, staging, risk stratification, and follow-up of DTC. The impact of (131)I SPECT/CT on the management of patients with thyroid cancer was evaluated.