LAUSR

Introduction Up to 20% of thyroid nodules with an indication for fineneedle aspiration (FNA) show indeterminate cytology (Bethesda categories III and IV [1]). In general, the rate of malignancy in these nodules ranges from 10 to 40% [1,2]. In the case of nodules with indeterminate cytology, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) [2] recommends molecular tests after the analysis of clinical and ultrasonography (US) data, that is, these tests are better indicated for patients who are not at high risk for malignancy and with nodules without highly suspicious US appearance [2]. However, molecular tests are not yet widely available, have a high cost, and no consensus exists on the most adequate test. Curiously, scintigraphy (with I or Tc), which was traditionally included in the work-up of nodules with indeterminate cytology [3], is no longer recommended [2]. In contrast, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine [4] reiterates the value of this imaging method in this situation. The objective of this prospective study was to re-evaluate the role of this imaging method in thyroid nodules of more than 1 cm with indeterminate cytology.