[Ultrasound diagnosis of the thyroid]

Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland provides information about the size and shape when localization is normal. Furthermore, by means of density changes, a cyst can be shown as well as disintegration in the cyst or parenchymal changes. Rarefication of sonic echos indicates an increase in fluid (edema, hyperemia, and sometimes tumors). An increase in echos suggests consolidation of tissue (multiplication of fibrous tissue, calcareous deposits). This is demonstrated by ultrasonic examinations of the thyroid, in which the results found by scintigraphy, cytology or operation and histology were verified. In contrast to scintigraphy, ultrasonic diagnostics do not give information about biochemical processes of the activity of the thyroid.