Normal and Chronic Thyroiditis

A normal ultrasound of the thyroid gland (a,b) is juxtaposed with the ultrasound of a 78 year female with hypothyroidism (c,d) A diffusely enlarged, heterogeneous thyroid gland is seen in the hypothyroid patient. The normal thyroid measures 5.0cms (length) x 1.1cms (A-P anteroposterior) X 1.4 cms (transverse TRV) and the abnormal thyroid measures 8.5cms (craniocaudad), by 3.9cms (A-P) by 4.8cms (transverse). Clinical findings were consistent with thyroiditis, with biochemical findings suggesting hypothyroidism. The enlarged gland in the transverse dimension is almost round. (d). This rounded shape in the transverse dimension is a clue to the presence of the enlarged gland, even before the measurements are taken and evaluated. The gland is heterogeneous particularly well seen on the sagittal view (c). The findings are consistent with a thyroiditis.

Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD Copyright 2010 94549c05g03.8s

Enlarged Hypervascular Gland with Coarse Strands

A diffusely enlarged, heterogeneous thyroid gland is seen in this 30 year old hypothyroid female patient. The thyroid measures 6.4cms (craniocaudad), by 3.2cms (A-P) by 2.4cms (transverse). Clinical findings were consistent with thyroiditis, with biochemical findings suggesting hypothyroidism. The sagittal view shows coarse heterogeneous echo texture with fine white bands consistent with fibrosis. The increased vascularity is seen throughout the gland (c,d), but is also seen particularly along some of the bands in the posterior aspect of the gland (c arrows). The enlarged gland in the transverse dimension is almost round. (b). This rounded shape in the transverse dimension is a clue to the presence of the enlarged gland, even before the measurements are taken and evaluated. The findings are consistent with a thyroiditis.

Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD Copyright 2010 94583c01.8