[Update endocrinology: Thyroid sonography]

Abstract

Thyroid ultrasound has developed to be an important diagnostic method. Thyroid and extrathyroid diseases can be differentiated. Ultrasonography shows an exact image of thyroid structures in which typical images for some pathological entities can be observed. Clinical experience with thyroid diseases is essential when using thyroid ultrasonography. Thyroid ultrasonography does not correlate with histopathologic findings very well. Therefore fine needle aspiration biopsy should be used without hesitation. Solitary thyroid nodules larger than 1-1.5 cm in diameter or other potentially malignant structures must be investigated by a fine needle aspiration biopsy. Cytopathologic results of a fine needle aspiration biopsy have a high accuracy, but follicular neoplasms need a histopathologic examination to discriminate between an adenoma and a follicular carcinoma. Colour-flow Doppler ultrasonography gives helpful information about the blood circulation but is not necessary for a reliable diagnostic work up of thyroid diseases. Clinical findings, laboratory results, ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration biopsy can be used alone or in combination, depending on the indication observed, to help find the accurate diagnosis.