[Thyroid gland and parathyroid gland changes in ultrasound (real time B image)]

Using a high-resolution real-time B-imager, examinations of the thyroid and parathyroid glands of 112 patients revealed small focal lesions (more than 3 mm diameter: thyroid gland, parathyroid gland) as well as diffuse alterations (thyroid gland). The following focal lesions were found: Adenomas of the parathyroid gland (n = 9), haemangiomas of thyroid gland (n = 3), adenomas of thyroid gland (n = 2), metastases into the thyroid gland (n = 7), primary cancer of the thyroid gland or its recurrence (n = 3) and metastases of different cancers in soft tissue of the neck regions (n = 8). A struma nodosa was diagnosed in 15 patients. With regard to diffuse alterations of the thyroid gland, atrophies (n = 6), aplasieas of 1 lobe (n = 2), thyreoiditides (n = 3), and struma diffuse (n = 5). In 49 of 52 cases morphological alterations of the thyroid gland could be excluded, while for the other 3 patients, who had been operated on in the region of the neck, no final evaluation was possible. On comparing these findings with the results of computed tomography and scintigraphy, ultrasound as a screening method showed the highest sensitivity while its specificity could be enlarged by considering the results of scintigraphy. Decision by ultrasound only as to whether a focal lesion was benign or malignant was only possible under certain circumstances. However, a histological diagnosis could not be made by ultrasound.