Thyroid Ultrasound
Indications
Thyroid nodules evaluation and risk stratification
Thyromegaly
Multinodular goiter
PTH abnormalities
To direct image-guided biopsy
Strengths
Noninvasive
Fast
No ionizing radiation
Weaknesses
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy necessary for definitive diagnosis
May miss nodules less than 1 cm in diameter
Interpretation of large cysts (> 4 cm) often difficult because of presence of areas of cystic or hemorrhagic degeneration
Comments
Ultrasound is an excellent modality to demonstrate thyroid gland anatomy and to guide biopsy or cyst aspiration.
Thyroid ultrasound is also useful to detect PTH abnormalities.
Approximately 70% of PTH lesions are evident on ultrasound.