Radiographic analysis of thyroid lesions using USG and CT scan

Background: To establish diagnosis of thyroid lesions using USG as the modality of choice, sonographically characterize those lesions as regards to their nature (benign v/s malignant), to define the spatial extent of these lesions and their relationship to the surrounding structures using USG and CT scan and to guide FNAC of these lesions whenever indicated and establish their pathological correlation. Aim: To estimate the role of USG and CT in evaluation of thyroid lesions. Material and methods: The present study was a prospective and observational (non interventional) type of study. This study aimed at evaluating patients came to the Radiology Department of Dhiraj General Hospital, by using USG and CT scan. This study comprised of 97 patients, sonographic evaluation was carried out in all 97 patients while CT scan was used in evaluation of 22 patients. Sonography with color doppler examination was carried out by PhILIPS HD9 AND GE LOGIC P5 and using 7.5 MHZ transducers. CT Scanning was done by using Siemens 16 slice CT Scanner. Results: Largest group of patients were in 31-40 years with sex ratio of M: F = 1:4.7. The most common clinical feature that patient complained of was asymptomatic lump in the neck (55%), which correlates with the most common pathology which was Goiter. The largest group comprised of non toxic goitre followed by thyroid neoplasms. All patients of grave’s disease had diffusely hypoechoeic thyroid gland with prominent thyroid septae and capsule, the gland was enlarged in 4 cases and of normal size in one patient. Colour Doppler study showed all patients exhibited increased vascularity reffered to as thyroid inferno pattern at colour flow imaging. Conclusion: High resolution USG is recommended as the primary imaging modality in the evaluation of thyroid diseases. It has a high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. CT scan plays a role in evaluation of retrotracheal and retrosternal goiters, large thyroid masses and staging of thyroid malignancies.