Exploring the Association Between Thyroid Density Assessed by Non-contrast Computed Tomography and Serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels in Hypothyroid Patients.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between thyroid computed tomography (CT) density and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in patients with hypothyroidism.

Methods: The research involved 60 hypothyroid patients aged 18 years and older, with TSH levels exceeding 5 mIU/mL or those already receiving thyroid supplementation therapy. These individuals had undergone non-contrast CT chest scans due to concurrent respiratory concerns. The thyroid CT densities, as evaluated through non-contrast chest CT, were compared to those of euthyroid patients with normal TSH levels. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between serum TSH levels and thyroid CT densities.

Results: Hypothyroid patients exhibited significantly reduced thyroid CT densities (P<0.0001). The correlation analysis revealed an inverse correlation between TSH levels and thyroid CT densities in hypothyroid patients (r=-0.365, p=0.020) and a positive correlation (r=0.270, p=0.036) in euthyroid patients.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a substantial correlation between thyroid CT density and serum TSH levels. As TSH levels increase in hypothyroid patients, thyroid CT density tends to decrease.