Correlation between Computed Tomography Density and Functional Status of the Thyroid Gland

Objective This study aimed to determine the correlation between thyroid computed tomography (CT) density and thyroid functional status. Methods Thyroid CT densities were determined in patients who had a noncontrast CT of the cervical spine and a recent thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement in a cohort of 157 patients. Thyroid CT densities of patients with abnormally low TSH and high TSH were compared to those with normal TSH. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between TSH levels and CT densities. Results Both low and high TSH groups demonstrated significantly decreased thyroid CT densities (P < 0.0001). There was significant positive correlation between thyroid CT densities and TSH levels (r = 0.40; P < 0.0001) for subjects with a TSH level of less than 3.0 μIU/mL and a significant negative correlation (r =-0.66; P < 0.0001) for those with a TSH level of greater than or equal to 3.0 μIU/mL. Conclusions There is a significant correlation between thyroid CT density and serum TSH levels. A low thyroid CT density indicates abnormal thyroid function.