Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is normal. The size of the thyroid gland is normal. Indicators of thyroid hormones - the norm

Today, thyroid ultrasound is considered by many specialists to be the most informative method for studying the condition of this organ. Moreover, ultrasound diagnosis is one of the most accessible for today. Undoubtedly her dignity should be considered an opportunity to conduct a survey of patients at any age.

Why is research necessary?

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland (the norm for healthy people will be given below) can be used for preventive examinations and medical examination. Timely execution of ultrasound can often reveal organ defects, tumor changes, minimal inflammation foci. However, at the same time, it is not possible to reveal the very reason for the occurrence of violations using this method alone. In the process of research, the specialist also studies the structure of paired formations - parathyroid glands. They are located in the left and right lobes of the organ. Lymph nodes, which are on the front of the neck of a person, are also examined. Strictly speaking, the thyroid ultrasound, whose volume norm is different for women and men, is considered the first additional diagnostic method prescribed by an endocrinologist. In accordance with the received data, a correction of the patient examination scheme can be carried out.

What is specifically studied during the ultrasound examination?

When performing ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the norm and deviations are evaluated by several parameters. First of all, the structure of the organ is studied. This compares the ability to reflect the signal of the sensor in the thyroid and salivary parotid gland. The study allows you to study the echogenicity of the organ. This parameter indicates the uniformity of the tissue. As already mentioned above, parathyroid glands and lymph nodes are examined. In addition, the condition of large vessels that are located near the organ is assessed. In particular, the jugular veins, the external carotid artery , are examined . The volume of the organ is studied, as well as the structure of the isthmus, which unites the fractions, the size of the thyroid gland. The norm of linear values depends on the age and sex of the patient. If necessary, a survey of other anatomical structures can be performed: soft tissue of the neck, larynx and others.

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Explanation

The norm of volume for men is up to 25 ml, for women - up to 18. The description of the conclusion may look as follows: "The organ's location is correct, the shape is normal, the contours are clear, even, there are no nodes, the echostructure is not changed, it is uniform." The lymph nodes of the subclavian, submandibular region are not enlarged. " However, in certain pathologies, the size of the thyroid gland by ultrasound does not deviate from the generally accepted parameters. To such diseases, in particular, carry a diffusive-toxic goiter.

Pathologies that are detected by ultrasound

If you suspect a disease, thyroid ultrasound is prescribed? Sizes, the norm of which is individual for each person, can indicate the presence or absence of thyroiditis. In the structure of the organ can be found seals, diffuse or local changes. In the latter case, small sealed nodes of different sizes are identified. In a number of cases, with an ordinary examination by an endocrinologist, they are not noticeable. In this regard, the doctor (to clarify the diagnosis) appoints an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the norm of volume and linear parameters of which is indicated above.

Diagnosis of tumors

In most cases, during the study, a specialist can identify and distinguish between benign and malignant neoplasms in the thyroid gland. The latter are characterized by reduced echogenicity, the presence of calcium salts in the tissue, and the heterogeneity of the structure. Neoplasm can be of various sizes, including very small. After removal of the tumor, ultrasound of the thyroid gland is reassigned. The norm will testify to the effectiveness of the measures taken. The study is recommended to be carried out regularly to avoid relapse.

In what cases is the examination necessary?

Who is prescribed ultrasound of the thyroid gland? How to prepare for the study? First of all, the survey is necessary for people in "risk groups". They include, in particular, people over forty years of age, since it is at this age that the likelihood of a neoplasm of benign or malignant nature increases. The examination is necessary for patients working in hazardous industries, spending a lot of time at the computer, staying often in stressful conditions. Ultrasound is recommended for patients who have been prescribed hormonal means for life in connection with certain pathologies. Unfavorable heredity is also an indication of the purpose of the study. It is necessary to conduct a survey of pregnant women. Ultrasound is recommended in this case both at the planning stage and during the period for any deviations.

Who else is assigned to the examination?

Recommended diagnosis of people who have symptoms of thyroid pathologies. In particular, with vague fluctuations in weight, changes in heart rate, unexplained irritability or inhibition, which are not triggered by the use of medication or thermoregulatory disorders. In addition, ultrasound is recommended if thyroid hormone levels are reduced or increased, the norm for total thyroxin is 60.0-160.0 nmol / liter, and for T3 (free) - 1.2-2.8 mMe / liter. If there are deviations, then an additional study will clarify the diagnosis. Before the examination by ultrasound, the patient does not need special training.

Additional opportunities for ultrasound examination

If autologic changes are detected, a specialist can recommend ultrasound with a CDC (digital Doppler mapping). This method of research allows not only to study the structure and structure of the organ, but also to assess the nature of the interstitial blood flow. Based on all the data, a more accurate diagnosis is established. Especially often, CDC is used when detecting tumor nodes in the gland. When studying the features of the blood flow, the specialist has the opportunity to understand the true causes of the pathology, the probability and direction of metastases against the background of the malignant process. Under the control of ultrasound, a thin-needle biopsy of tissues from pathological foci found during the preliminary examination is carried out.

Features of diffuse changes detected by ultrasound

These disorders, as a rule, provoke inflammatory processes in the thyroid gland. They include, in particular, chronic thyroiditis. At the examination, there is a decreased echogenicity of the organ, increasing it in all directions. Typical signs are the diffuse heterogeneity of the tissue. With thyroiditis, several fuzzy nodes can be detected. Their internal structure is similar to that of the surrounding tissue. When a large node is identified, the shape of the gland changes (becomes diffusely-node).

Differential diagnostics

Ultrasonic research allows to distinguish a multinodal struma from a chronic thyroiditis. This is especially important, as the choice of therapeutic measures will depend on the diagnosis. So, autoimmune thyroiditis is treated conservatively, and multinodular goiter is surgically treated. Diffusive changes may accompany the base of the disease (diffuse toxic goiter). They appear as a uniform increase in thyroid gland, in some cases 2-3 times in comparison with the norm. However, in many cases the severity of the pathology does not affect the size of the thyroid gland. Norm, as already mentioned above, for each patient is individual. In severe manifestations of thyrotoxicosis in men, for example, there is a slight deviation from the generally accepted parameters. As a rule, the tissue structure is uniform, it can be a little dense, echogenicity is increased. In some cases, against the background of the changes considered, secondary nodules, accumulations of calcium salts and cysts can be found.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to notice violations in metabolic processes. Most people understand that they are sick when serious problems with appetite or weight arise. The tendency to eat a lot of sweet, frequent mood swings, hair loss - all these signals about the presence of any violations in the body. At such displays it is necessary to address to the expert. A doctor-endocrinologist will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary tests and studies, including ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Where is the ultrasound done? It is held in special offices, in which the relevant equipment is installed. Diagnosis is carried out by a specialist - a doctor-iszist. Today, ultrasound, as mentioned above, is the most informative diagnostic method. This mainly explains its popularity. In addition, the study is available to a large mass of the population. The cost of the examination is much lower, and its informativeness is higher than that of thyroid X-rays. Moreover, during the ultrasound examination there is no radiation load on the patient's body. The undoubted advantage of the method is the possibility of its repeated administration to patients of any age, newborns, including pregnant women. Before conducting a study, the doctor should be informed of all medications taken by the patient, including vitamins. However, despite the informative nature of the ultrasound, it is wrong to make a diagnosis, taking into account only the results of a thyroid ultrasound. Of great importance is the entire clinical picture, the history of the disease. The results of other studies, including thyroid hormone levels (the norm for them are indicated above) are also taken into account. Only on the basis of the evaluation of all the data obtained in the complex during the ultrasound examination, the doctor can make a conclusion about the presence or absence of pathological changes and make an exact diagnosis, according to which the treatment will be prescribed.