Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
Hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease: Is an ultrasound examination needed?
Lakshminarayanan Varadhan1, George Iype Varughese1, Sailesh Sankaranarayanan2
1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Aim:
The aim of our study was to assess the limitation of clinical examination in determining the morphology of thyroid gland in patients with hyperthyroidism and its implications.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with hyperthyroidism seen in a tertiary endocrine clinic were analyzed. Sub-analysis was performed on patients with proven Graves' disease.
Results:
Of the 133 patients included in this study with hyperthyroidism, 60 (45%) patients had significant nodularity on ultrasound (US). However, only 67% of these were identified on clinical examination. In patients with confirmed Graves' disease (n = 73), the discordance between US and clinical examination was very similar (18 of 30 patients, 60%).
Conclusion:
US should form an essential part of the evaluation of hyperthyroidism as the morphology of thyroid gland could be variable and nodules in these glands would also need to be appropriately investigated. This would also significantly influence decision-making and appropriate immediate and follow-up management plan.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...