[Role of flowmetric analysis and of color-Doppler ultrasonography with contrast media in the different phases and follow-up of Graves' disease].

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the role of color-Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) assessment of thyroid vascularity, measuring the peak systolic velocity (PSV) at the level of the inferior thyroid artery, and the intrathyroid vascularization in Graves' diseas; 2) to evaluate the role of contrast agent administration in predicting the relapse of hyperthyroidism or the biological activity of the disease after withdrawal of antithyroid drugs. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The study included 74 Graves' patients (59 F/ 15 M; mean age 45 years; range 23-71). Graves' disease was diagnosed according to the usual clinical and laboratory criteria. On the basis of the clinical and biochemical findings we divided Graves' patients into 4 different groups. Treatment was continued for at least 12 months, CDU examination was carried out after discontinuing therapy. Eight patients showed a relapse of hyperthyroidism within 5 months after suspension of therapy. In all cases the evaluation of intraparenchymal vascularization and PSV at the level of the inferior thyroid artery in basal conditions was followed by administration of contrast agent (Levovist, 300 mg/ml), with slow infusion ( 40 cm/sec with pattern III for at least 10 minutes from the beginning of the contrast agent administration (High risk of relapse); B) PSV <40 cm/sec with pattern II or III after contrast agent administration (Biological activity of the disease-Thyroiditis); C) PSV <40 cm/sec with Pattern I after contrast agent administration (Poor biological activity of the disease-recovery).