One in five subjects with normal thyroid ultrasonography has altered thyroid tests.
Summary of "One in five subjects with normal thyroid ultrasonography has altered thyroid tests."
The relation between thyroid ultrasonography and laboratory, and the relationship of thyroid volume with clinical and anthropometric parameters, are not well clarified. Aim of the study was to investigate normal and hypoechoic-inhomogeneous not nodular thyroid gland in predicting thyroid tests, and to assess the correlation of thyroid volume with several clinical parameters. The series included 434 subjects (244 with normal thyroid ultrasonography, and 190 with hypoechoic-inhomogeneous thyroid) at their first evaluation. Subjects with normal ultrasonography and skewed tests were re-evaluated after one year. All subjects with normal ultrasound showed normal free-T(4), while TSH was elevated in 9.8% of cases and thyroid antibodies were positive in another 9.8%. In patients with hypoechoic-inhomogeneous thyroid, free-T(4) was low in 33.2%, TSH was elevated in 78.4% and thyroid antibodies were positive in 76.3%. Normal ultrasonography matched with normal tests in 81.1% of cases while hypoechoic-inhomogeneous thyroid in 9.5% (p<0.001). The re-evaluation of tests showed no significant difference. In subjects with both normal ultrasonography and tests, thyroid volume was correlated with age (p=0.001), weight (p=0.003), BMI (p=0.04), body surface area (p=0.002). Thyroid laboratory assessment was different between subjects with ultrasonographically normal or hypoechoic-inhomogeneous thyroid. Thyroid volume of thyroid diseases-free subjects was correlated with age, weight, BMI and body surface area, and this should be of interest to investigate the references of normality of thyroid size.
Affiliation
Section of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Ospedale Israelitico of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Endocrine journal
ISSN: 1348-4540
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22095000
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Lingual Thyroid
A condition characterized by the presence of rudimentary THYROID tissue at the base of the TONGUE. It is due to failed embryonic development and migration of thyroid tissue to its normal location. The lingual thyroid usually cannot maintain adequate hormone production thereby resulting in HYPOTHYROIDISM.
Euthyroid Sick Syndromes
Conditions of abnormal THYROID HORMONES release in patients with apparently normal THYROID GLAND during severe systemic illness, physical TRAUMA, and psychiatric disturbances. It can be caused by the loss of endogenous hypothalamic input or by exogenous drug effects. The most common abnormality results in low T3 THYROID HORMONE with progressive decrease in THYROXINE; (T4) and TSH. Elevated T4 with normal T3 may be seen in diseases in which THYROXINE-BINDING GLOBULIN synthesis and release are increased.
Immunoglobulins, Thyroid-stimulating
Autoantibodies that bind to the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (RECEPTORS, THYROTROPIN) on thyroid epithelial cells. The autoantibodies mimic TSH causing an unregulated production of thyroid hormones characteristic of GRAVES DISEASE.
Goiter
Enlargement of the THYROID GLAND that may increase from about 20 grams to hundreds of grams in human adults. Goiter is observed in individuals with normal thyroid function (euthyroidism), thyroid deficiency (HYPOTHYROIDISM), or hormone overproduction (HYPERTHYROIDISM). Goiter may be congenital or acquired, sporadic or endemic (GOITER, ENDEMIC).
Hyperthyroidism
Hypersecretion of THYROID HORMONES from the THYROID GLAND. Elevated levels of thyroid hormones increase BASAL METABOLIC RATE.
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