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Sonographic detection of thyroid pyramidal lobes before thyroid surgery: a prospective single-center study
Dong Wook Kim1, Tae Kwun Ha, Ha Kyoung Park
1Department of General Surgery, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, 633-165 Gaegeum-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan 614-734, Korea. hasus@hanmail.net.
Summary
Preoperative thyroid sonography can effectively detect thyroid pyramidal lobes, aiding surgeons. This imaging technique demonstrates good accuracy in identifying these anatomical variations before thyroid surgery.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Thyroid pyramidal lobes are anatomical variations of the thyroid gland.
- Accurate preoperative identification of thyroid pyramidal lobes is important for surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of preoperative thyroid sonography in detecting thyroid pyramidal lobes.
- To compare sonographic findings with surgical outcomes as the reference standard.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving a single radiologist performing thyroid sonography.
- Consecutive patients scheduled for thyroid surgery were included.
- Sonographic assessment included location, dimensions, and relationship to the thyroid gland, compared with surgical findings.
Main Results:
- Surgical incidence of thyroid pyramidal lobes was 59.8%.
- Sonography achieved a sensitivity of 81.0%, specificity of 79.2%, and accuracy of 80.3% for detection.
- Measurements of pyramidal lobes during surgery did not correlate significantly with sonographic detection rates.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid sonography is a valuable tool for preoperative identification of thyroid pyramidal lobes.
- Sonographic detection aids in understanding the presence and location of these anatomical variants.
