DETECTION OF THYROID NODULES BY ROUTINE ULTRASOUND

Abstract

Ultrasound is an extremely useful tool of thyroid investigation showing different aspects from previously unknown nodules to high-risk lesions requiring immediate surgery. We aim to introduce a pictorial assay of a series cases from two tertiary Romanian centres of endocrinology underling different scenarios from detection to management. All female patients associated normal thyroid function and lack thyroid antibodies while thyroid ultrasound proved essential in detection and follow-up the thyroid condition. Case 1 is a 49-year old subject admitted after an episode of palpitations and detected with a left thyroid nodule of 4.9 by 2.7 by 4.9 cm with inhomogeneous pattern and relatively regular shape requiring surgery. Case 2 is a 63-year old patient accusing dizziness and requiring Doppler ultrasound for carotid arteries that incidentally pointed a thyroid nodule. Ultrasound confirmed a right lobe nodule of 1.1 by 0.6 by 1 cm in association with another small thyroid nodule of 0.8 by 0.6 by 0.6 cm having egg shell peripheral calcifications. Fine needle aspiration was indicated and follicular aspects were identified. Case 3 is a 56-year old female admitted for menopausal osteopenia and routine ultrasound found a hypo-echoic nodule of 2.5 cm at right lobe. Case 4 is a 67-year female who was actually post-operatory confirmed with pT3aN1M0 papillary cancer starting from a first ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid. Case 5 is a 23-year old patient with a nodule detected by ultrasound three years ago and currently appreciated with a considerable increase even BETHESDA 2 was found initially through fine needle aspiration. Conclusion. As pointed by present series of cases, thyroid ultrasound represents an essential method in the hands of endocrinologists.