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Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
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Diffuse metastasis to the thyroid: unique ultrasonographic finding and clinical correlation
Hee Kyung Kim1, Sung Sun Kim2, Chan Young Oak1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|June 17, 2014
Summary
Diffuse thyroid metastases, often from lung cancer, are increasing. Ultrasonography reveals a diffusely enlarged, heterogeneous thyroid with specific internal lines, warranting thyroid function tests.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
Background:
- Thyroid gland metastases are increasingly reported.
- Clinical and ultrasonographic findings of diffuse thyroid metastases are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and ultrasonographic features of diffuse thyroid metastases.
- To evaluate the association between diffuse thyroid metastases and thyroid dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 patients with diffuse thyroid metastases diagnosed via ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (2004-2013).
- Analysis of primary cancer sites, detection methods, and ultrasonographic findings.
- Correlation of bilateral lobe involvement with thyroid function.
Main Results:
- The most common primary site was lung cancer (9/13).
- Most cases (11/13) were incidentally found during cancer surveillance (FDG-PET).
- Ultrasonography showed diffusely enlarged, heterogeneous thyroid glands with reticular hypoechoic lines; increased vascularity was absent. Hypothyroidism was noted in 3/8 patients with bilateral lobe involvement.
Conclusions:
- Diffuse thyroid metastases present ultrasonographically as enlarged, heterogeneous glands with characteristic internal hypoechoic lines.
- Thyroid function testing is recommended for all patients with diffuse thyroid metastases, particularly those with bilateral lobe involvement.
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