Radioisotopes and their use in the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease.

The use of radioactive isotopes in thyroid evaluation and therapy gives important information in the endocrine assessment of the aged. Thyroid uptake imaging can be used to establish a hypothyroid or hyperthyroid state and can determine the functional status of a palpable nodule. Investigational agents, such as T1 201m DMSA, MIBG, FDG, and Gallium are reviewed in relation to the evaluation of neoplasia. A detailed discussion of thyroid carcinoma ablation and subsequent radioiodine therapy is described, as are radiation safety procedures as they relate to the elderly.