Application of color Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

Objective To explore the application value of color Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.Methods Hyperthyroidism patients were divided into 3 groups according to clinical and biochemical parameters with 50 cases in mild group,50 in moderate group,and 40 in severe group.Fifty healthy subjects were in control group.The sonographic features of the thyroid were observed,and the diameter of superior thyroid artery of the right lobe was measured by conventional two-dimensional ultrasound.The blood flow of the thyroid and the superior thyroid artery of the right lobe were observed by color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI).Hemodynamic parameters of the right lobe superior thyroid artery was measured by color Doppler and pulsed Doppler technology(PW).Results The sonographic features of most hyperthyroidism included:general swelling of the thyroid(including the isthmus),especially the symmetrical uniform enlargement of the two lobes with regular boundary.The echotexture of the gland was dense,punctuate strong echo and became mildly to moderately coarse,which was distributed homogeneous or inhomogeneous.CDFI showed diffuse distribution of punctiform or branched blood flow signals as"Flames sea sign".There was significant difference between hyperthyroidism patients and control group in the superior thyroid artery diameter,peak systolic velocity and the average flow velocity(P0.05).Conclusion The superior thyroid artery diameter and peak systolic velocity can be accurately measured by conventional ultrasound and CDFI,which provides objective information for clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism,thus it has very practical value for diagnosis of patients with hyperthyroidism.