Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To explore the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic alternative to the traditional "gold standard" imaging study of nuclear scintigraphy in the evaluation of thyrotoxicosis. METHODS: We review the relevant literature and share our own experience to highlight the promising role of ultrasonography in thyrotoxicosis. In addition, we present a diagnostic algorithm suggesting liberal use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of thyrotoxicosis. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a cost-effective, noninvasive, portable, and safe imaging modality in the evaluation of thyrotoxicosis, both for physiologic assessment and for detection of nonpalpable thyroid cancers that may elude identification on physical examination and nuclear imaging studies. Although thyroid scintigraphy remains a standard radiologic study, thyroid ultrasonography can be a practical alternative in many cases and the primary imaging modality in some situations such as during pregnancy and lactation and for evaluation and management of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis.
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Authors | Ali S Alzahrani, Graziano Ceresini, Saleh A Aldasouqi |
Journal | Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
(Endocr Pract)
2012 Jul-Aug
Vol. 18
Issue 4
Pg. 567-78
ISSN: 1934-2403 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22440986
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Review)
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Topics |
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Decision Trees
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Graves Disease
(diagnostic imaging, economics, physiopathology)
- Health Care Costs
- Humans
- Lactation
- Male
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications
(diagnostic imaging, economics)
- Severity of Illness Index
- Thyroid Gland
(diagnostic imaging)
- Thyroid Nodule
(diagnostic imaging, economics, physiopathology)
- Thyrotoxicosis
(diagnostic imaging, economics, etiology)
- Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
(adverse effects, economics)
- Ultrasonography, Prenatal
(adverse effects, economics)
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