Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in hyperthyroidism: A comprehensive review of recent studies

Abstract

Color Doppler ultrasound is increasingly valued as a useful tool in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. It enables evaluation of the vascularity of the thyroid gland, and its application in differentiation of different etiologies like Graves' disease and toxic nodular goiter has increased lately. The following review covers diagnostic accuracy by ultrasound compared with the conventional methods used, which are thyroid scintigraphy and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). For instance, it emphasizes the non-invasive method, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility with the ultrasound diagnostic method over conventional diagnosis. Further, it explores advanced techniques, including ultrasonic elastography and Doppler imaging, to determine the potential for improving accuracy in diagnosis. Important findings are that with high-resolution images of ultrasound diagnostics, there are still problems like dependency on the operator and specificity. The review also touches on inadequacies for the evaluation of long-term effects of ultrasound-guided treatment. Future innovations of technology like artificial intelligence and contrast-enhanced ultrasound will indeed surpass these developments in terms of diagnostic capabilities. This review therefore sums up that although ultrasound is a fundamental diagnostic method in the management of hyperthyroidism, further research and technological development will be needed to render it effective in this clinical use.