Thyroid ultrasound is used to identify and characterize nodules and large goiters in cases where palpation findings raise suspicion of malignancy or indicate surgery for other reasons. Findings suggestive of malignancy on thyroid ultrasound should be further investigated with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) by a surgeon.
In patients with hyperthyroidism who are TRAS/TSI negative, thyroid scintigraphy is recommended to differentiate between conditions with increased uptake on scintigraphy (TRAS/TSI-negative Graves’ disease and toxic multinodular goiter/toxic adenoma) and those with decreased uptake (destructive thyroiditis and thyroxine/iodine overdose).
References:
- Bahn RS, et al. Hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis: management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Endocr Pract. 2011 May-Jun;17(3):456-520. PMID: 21700562.
- Garber JR, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocr Pract. 2012 Nov-Dec;18(6):988-1028. PMID: 23246686.