Diagnostic tests for medullary thyroid carcinoma: an umbrella review

PurposeTo summarize the more robust evidence about the performance of tools useful for diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) such as calcitonin (Ctn) and other circulating markers, ultrasound (US), fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and other imaging procedures.MethodsThis systematic review of systematic reviews was carried out according to a predefined protocol. A search string was created. An electronical comprehensive search of literature was performed on December 2022. Quality assessment of eligible systematic reviews was performed and main findings were described.ResultsTwenty-three systematic reviews were included and several findings were achieved. Ctn is the most reliable diagnostic marker of MTC with no evidence of improvement with stimulation test. CEA doubling time is more reliable than Ctn in identifying MTC with poorer prognosis. US sensitivity is suboptimal in MTC and only just over half of cases are at high risk according to Thyroid Imaging And Reporting Data Systems. Cytology can correctly detect MTC in just over half of cases and measuring Ctn in washout fluid from FNA is necessary. PET/CT is useful for detecting recurrent MTC.ConclusionsFuture guidelines of both thyroid nodule management and MTC diagnosis should consider these evidence-based data.

Automated summary

This systematic review summarizes the more robust evidence about the performance of tools useful for diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) such as calcitonin (Ctn) and other circulating markers, ultrasound (US), fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and other imaging procedures. The findings suggest that Ctn is the most reliable diagnostic marker for MTC, while CEA doubling time is more reliable in identifying MTC cases with poorer prognosis. Ultrasound sensitivity in MTC is suboptimal, and cytology can detect MTC in just over half of cases. PET/CT is useful for detecting recurrent MTC. Future guidelines should consider these evidence-based data for thyroid nodule management and MTC diagnosis.