Thyroid Ultrasound: Diffuse and Nodular Disease

Thyroid ultrasound with gray-scale and color Doppler is the most helpful imaging modality to differentiate normal thyroid parenchyma from diffuse or nodular thyroid disease by evaluating glandular size, echogenicity, echotexture, margins, and vascularity. The various causes of diffuse thyroid disease often have overlapping sonographic imaging features. Thyroid nodules may be hyperplastic or neoplastic, with most due to benign hyperplastic changes in architecture and benign follicular adenomas; only a small percentage are malignant. A systematic approach to nodule morphology that includes evaluation of composition, echogenicity, margin, shape, and any echogenic foci can guide decision to biopsy or follow nodules.