A multicenter survey of current practices of 99mTc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI) imaging for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules: more standardization is essential

Abstract Purpose Molecular imaging with 99m Tc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile ( Tc-MIBI, MIBI) has been used in the assessment of thyroid nodules (TNs) for more than two decades. Many studies showed that MIBI is a suitable tool to rule-out malignancy when negative. However, relatively low specificity and accuracy have described, thus, limiting its acceptance clinical practice. Additionally, different technologies, protocols, interpretation criteria are adopted accounting heterogeneous data reported literature. Therefore, present study was undertaken assess use methodology patients nodular disease Europe. Methods A questionnaire sent 12 European centers Nuclear Medicine. The encompassed ultrasound (US) fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) procedures their evaluation as well scintigraphy indications, technical procedures, imaging. Results survey good agreement approaching TNs by TSH measurement, US Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy. mainly inconclusive/indeterminate cytological findings selection target nodule(s) FNAC multi-nodular goiter. Technical globally comparable recorded differences unlikely impact results. main result study, substantial were found centers. Conclusions Our supports urgent need standardized order improve diagnostic performance make results