[The clinical value of ultrasonic study of the thyroid gland]

Sonographic and radioisotope investigations were carried out in 92 patients with nodular goitre (colloidal struma, adenoma, cyst, thyroiditis and carcinoma). The results were compared with those from surgery and histology. The combination of radioisotope and sonographic investigation facilitates an exact determination of localization, size, function and internal structure of a node. The results showed, that the term of a "warm" node does not correspond with its functional state. Cystic hemorrhagic degenerative changes are more often found in nodes with diameters above 3.5 cm. In a lesser degree these changes are connected with the morphologic structure of the node. The authors conclude, that a complex early diagnostics of thyroid carcinoma is difficult, because there are no characteristic signs. In these cases additional investigations as fine-needle aspiration biopsy are recommended.