We argued that modeling the thyroid as composed of identical follicles, packed as inside the cubes that are aligned side to side is unrealistic since this leaves too much space between diagonal neighbors and in reality these spaces are occupied by relatively small follicles. This assumption leads to underestimation of self-absorption of 131I radiation in coloidal lumens of the thyroid follicles. We conclude that the degree of intrathyroidal inhomogeneity of 131I beta radiation dose may be larger than estimated by Hindie et al. due to close packing of follicles, which is especially important in cases of relatively large follicles.

Fizika,Temeljne medicinske znanosti,Kliničke medicinske znanosti