Scintigraphy has the potential to replace thyroid stimulating hormone and ultrasonography in hyperthyroidism diagnosis

Abstract The value of thyroid scintigraphy in hyperthyroidism diagnosis has long been the subject of debate. Unresolved issue is whether scintigraphy should be performed routinely, selectively, or for all hyperthyroidism patients. So, this study is concerned with the evaluation of thyroid scintigraphy for identifying hyperthyroidism in comparison with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and ultrasound. This is cross sectional study including convenient patients sample (n=50, 15 males and 35 females) aged (20-50 years) with primary hyperthyroidism and were attending endocrine clinics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. All patients performed clinical investigations (TSH, ultrasound and thyroid scintigraphy). Among these patients, 96%, 48/50, had positive findings for hyperthyroidism with thyroid SC (95% CI; 96.0% - 99.5%); 84%, 42/50, had positive findings for hyperthyroidism by US (95% CI; 70.9% - 92.8%); and 56%, 28/50, had positive findings for hyperthyroidism by TSH measurement (95% CI; 41.3.0% - 70.0%). There was very good agreement between scintigraphy diagnosis and ultrasonography (kappa score =0·812 (P