Sonographic characteristics of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis with or without nodules / 肿瘤研究与临床

ABSTRACT

Objective To study and distinguish the sonographic characteristics of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CTL) and its nodules.Methods Ultrasonographic characteristics of 107 patients with histologically confirmed CTL was observed with a 7.5-12 MHz transducer and confirmed with the operation and pathology.Seventy four cases of CTL were examined by color Doppler flow image (CDFI),serum thyroid hormone levels were determined in 38 cases of CTL.Results In 57 cases of CTL,the pattern of diffuse low echoes was found in 14 cases (24.6 %),and nodulose pattern in 43 cases (75.4 %) in which diffuse numerous hypoecoie microdules in 16 (37.2%),and sporadic small nodules in 27 (62.8 %).All cases showed degeneration and disappearance of thyroid follicles,lymph cells invasion in varying degrees on pathology.Nodular goiter was commonly detected in 40 cases CTL (37.4 %),adenoma in 4 cases (3.7 %),hyperthyroidism in one case,non-Hodgkin lymphoma in one case,thyroid carcinoma in 4 cases (3.7 %).Color dopple flow imaging showed in 74 cases,0-Ⅰ 34 cases,Ⅱ 38 cases,Ⅲ 2 cases.The increased flow were observed in 38 cases in both Anti-Tpo and Anti-TG,and in 26 cases in TSH.Conclusion Ultrasonography is complex in CTL,with more complications.Ultrasonography are distinguished between the nodule of CTL and the nodule in the other thyroid diseases.Ultrasonography could help to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention,and provide strong evidence for CTL and its complication in clinic treatment.