Thyroid Imaging Tests

Abstract

Thyroid imaging tests provide more information about the thyroid gland’s size, shape, and function. After the thyroid blood tests which are the gold standard for the assessment of conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, imaging tests are recommended to establish a diagnosis. Although the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in itself is not an indication of thyroid imaging, thyroid radionuclide scanning may be useful in elucidating several pathophysiological aspects of hyperthyroidism and in determining the cause of abnormal thyroid function. This may be especially crucial in deciding whether a person will take thyroxine replacement therapy. However, it is important to recognize whether the cause of hypothyroidism is transient or drug-induced because this may require no treatment or only short-term thyroxine supplementation.