Diffusion-weighted MRI is not superior to FDG-PET/CT for the detection of neck recurrence in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Management of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) and positive thyroglobulin (Tg)/negative iodine-131 whole body scintigraphy (WBS) remains challenging. Here, we investigate the specific role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the neck (DW-MRI) as compared to rhTSH stimulated FDG-PET/CT in such patients.

Methods: Patients with WDTC, positive Tg/negative WBS were prospectively enrolled in the study.