Successful use of non-contrast dual energy computed tomography in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Background: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most commonly diagnosed endocrine cancer. Diagnosis of DTC metastases is possible with the use of ultrasound, RAI scintigraphy, [ Materials and methods: This prospective study enrolled 37 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy for DTC and were found to have lesions suspected of being metastatic. DECT was performed at least six months after the last administration of RAI or ICF. Group differences were analyzed using statistical tests, including the Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to assess the sensitivity and specificity of selected parameters. Results: In 31 of 37 patients, non-contrast DECT confirmed increased accumulation of endogenous iodine. Per patient, DECT sensitivity was 93.5%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 100%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 71.4%. Statistically higher values of iodine concentration (IC), effective atomic number (Z Conclusions: Non-contrast DECT is useful in the diagnosis of DTC metastases, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. A key advantage is the lack of necessity for ICF, which prevents delay in potential radioiodine therapy and is safer for patients with an allergy to such factors.