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

Context: Although the prognosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is usually excellent, the optimal follow-up strategy has never been investigated. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the role of neck ultrasonography (US), whole-body scintigraphy (WBS), and serum thyroglobulin levels (Tg) after recombinant human (rh) TSH in the follow-up of very low-risk PTMC patients. Design: The study was a 5-yr observational study based on a 6- to 12-month follow-up after near total thyroidectomy. Setting: The study population consisted of ambulatory patients. Patients: Eighty consecutive patients diagnosed with PTMC, who had not undergone postoperative radioiodine treatment because of unifocal tumor without lymph node metastases and who did not have anti-Tg antibodies, were included. Main Outcome Measures: WBS and Tg after both rhTSH and neck US were measured. Results: rhTSH-Tg was 1 ng/ml or less in 45 (Tg−) and more than 1 in 35 (Tg+) patients. WBS showed no pathological uptake in any p...