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Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Synchronous Triplanar Reconstruction Integrated with Color Doppler Mapping for Precise and Rapid Localization of Thyroid Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
The Enlarged Fetal Thyroid: Sonographic and Clinical Findings
Danielle M Richman1, Sara Ahmadi2, Sarah C Lassey3
1Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract:
Retrospective review of our OB ultrasound database identified 17 fetuses with enlarged thyroid. Fourteen had a maternal risk factor, most commonly current or prior Graves' thyroiditis. In addition to the enlarged thyroid, abnormalities were identified in 6/17 (35.3%) fetuses. Treatment included adjusting the dose of propylthiouracil, methimazole, or levo-thyroxine, intraamniotic thyroxine, or nothing. Follow-up showed stable fetal thyroid size in 9 and decreased size in 5. Imagers should be aware that fetal goiter can result from maternal hyper- or hypothyroidism. Careful assessment and monitoring of mother and fetus are needed to determine the appropriate cause and treatment of fetal goiter.
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