2.2.1. N0/Nx-Subgroup Outcome Analysis

In the N0/Nx-subgroup analysis, 301 patients (75 +mETE patients, 226 −mETE patients) were evaluated. In total, 189/301 (62.7%) patients presented with N0-stage and 112/301 (37.3%) patients with Nx-stage. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of Tg responder rates after stimulation (89% in +mETE patients (67/75) and 88% in −mETE patients (199/226), *p*-value 0.764) as well as non-pathological cervical or distant iodine uptake (93% in +mETE patients (70/75) and 94% in −mETE patients (212/226), *p*-value 0.884). Responder rates were identical in both groups (84% in +mETE patients (63/75) and 84% in −mETE patients (190/226), *p*-value 0.988). Findings are presented in Table 2.


**Table 2.** Outcome analysis of the subgroups: N0/Nx and N1a/N1b.

Responder rates: combination of stimulated Tg < 0.5 ng/mL, no relevant uptake in the I-131 whole body scan, unremarkable neck ultrasonography.
