Research Information System
Molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy, vol.34, no.2, pp.97-106, 2025 (ESCI)
ABSTRACT
Objective: This
study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and role of telomere length
measurements in leukocytes, plasma free cell DNA (cfDNA), and biopsy cells,
along with Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy, as non-invasive methods for diagnosing
malignant thyroid lesions.
Method: Data
from 128 patients, who underwent ultrasound, Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy, and
fine-needle biopsy with a preliminary diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules,
were analyzed. In 98 patients, telomere lengths in leukocytes (from blood),
cfDNA (from plasma), and biopsy cells were measured using the Q-PCR method, and
the relative T/S ratio was calculated. Based on cytological examination
results, patients were categorized into three groups: malignant, benign, and
suspicious. Group differences were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and
Chi-square tests, and correlations between variables were examined with
Spearman correlation analysis.
Results: The
sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value,
and accuracy of Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy for diagnosing malignant thyroid
nodules were 64.70%, 79.16%, 29.72%, 83.51%, and 67.96%, respectively. While
these results align with the literature, the positive predictive value was
notably lower. No significant differences were observed in telomere lengths
(T/S ratios) in leukocytes, plasma, or tissue between the groups.
Conclusion: Tc-99m
MIBI scintigraphy demonstrates reasonable diagnostic accuracy for identifying
malignancy in thyroid nodules. Contrary to limited reports, telomere length measurements
may not be a reliable method for predicting thyroid malignancy. Larger studies
are needed to further explore these findings.