Mishal Shanover 1 year ago

Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test

Various thyroid pathologies can be assessed by the radioactive iodine uptake test. It is based on the principle that metabolically active thyroid parenchyma will have an increased tracer uptake, and therefore, will present as a darker area compared to normal. Similarly, an area of no tracer uptake shows up as a cold nodule on imaging. Diffuse uptake increase is seen in Graves disease while localized nodular uptake is seen if a focus of thyroid gland is hyperfunctioning. Thyroiditis is accompanied by a decrease in thyroid activity and thus, thyroid uptake. Cold nodules may be cysts, non functioning adenomas or malignant nodules. Image via https://drsaiyan.com/causes-of-hypothyroidism-risk-factor-for-hypothyroid/