Ultrasound of the thyroid gland + Doppler ultrasound

A thyroid ultrasound with Doppler is a modern, safe, and painless imaging examination that evaluates both the structure of the thyroid gland and the blood flow within the gland and the surrounding blood vessels.

During the examination, the physician assesses the size, volume, and position of the thyroid gland, identifies nodules, cysts, signs of inflammation, and other structural abnormalities. Doppler imaging allows evaluation of the gland's blood supply and detection of vascular changes that may be associated with conditions such as thyroiditis, diffuse toxic goiter, and certain thyroid nodules.

This examination is an important diagnostic tool for thyroid diseases and helps determine the most appropriate further diagnostic and treatment strategy.

Indications

The examination is recommended for:

• enlarged thyroid gland;
• thyroid nodules or palpable neck masses;
• sensation of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing;
• abnormal thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4);
• suspected thyroiditis;
• suspected diffuse toxic goiter;
• follow-up of previously diagnosed thyroid nodules;
• monitoring after treatment of thyroid disorders;
• preventive screening in individuals with a family history of thyroid disease.

How the procedure is performed

The patient lies comfortably on their back with the head slightly tilted backward. A special ultrasound gel is applied to the neck, and the physician examines the thyroid gland using an ultrasound transducer.

The structure of the thyroid gland is evaluated first, followed by color Doppler imaging to assess blood flow within the gland and the surrounding vessels.

The examination usually takes 15–20 minutes, is completely painless, and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.

Advantages

• safe and non-invasive diagnostic method;
• no radiation exposure;
• painless examination;
• evaluates both the thyroid structure and its blood supply;
• helps detect inflammatory processes, blood flow abnormalities, and signs suggestive of increased thyroid activity;
• contributes to a more accurate assessment of thyroid nodules when combined with other diagnostic methods;
• suitable for patients of all ages, including children and pregnant women;
• results are available immediately after the examination.
   

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7515666/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/thyroid-ultrasound
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/us-thyroid
https://gdatf.org/bulletins/thyroid-ultrasound-101/
https://www.healthline.com/health/thyroid-ultrasound
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/assessment-of-thyroid-lesions-ultrasound

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience pain or a worsening of symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnostic tests. Only a qualified healthcare professional can accurately diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them done at the same laboratory, as different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.