Correlation between the thyroid computed tomography value and thyroid function in hyperthyroidism: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Radioiodine (I-131) therapy for hyperthyroidism is a well-established and safe treatment option. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the computed tomography (CT) value and the function and volume of the thyroid gland by identifying the factors that induce changes in the CT value of patients with hyperthyroidism. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 38 patients with Graves' disease and 10 patients with Plummer disease. To obtain the mean CT value and volume of the thyroid gland, the entire thyroid gland was set as the region of interest. A test dose of 3.7 MBq I-131 was administered before initiating I-131 therapy, and the radioiodine uptake (RIU) rate was assessed after 3, 24, 96, and 168 h. An approximate curve was plotted based on the RIU values obtained, and the effective half-life (EHL) was calculated. The correlation between the mean CT value and the volume of the thyroid gland, 24-h RIU, EHL, and the free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) levels was evaluated. RESULTS: The CT value exhibited a significant positive correlation with EHL in patients with Graves' disease (r = 0.62, p < 0.0001) as well as patients with Plummer disease (r = 0.74, p < 0.05). However, it did not display any correlation with the remaining parameters. CONCLUSION: The CT value is significantly correlated with EHL, suggesting that it reflects thyroid function and is mainly related to the factors associated with iodine discharge.

Thyroid ultrasound pattern in primary hypothyroidism is similar to Graves' disease: a report of three cases.

Ultrasound can identify important characteristics in primary hypothyroidism and diffuse hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease). Therefore, sonologists are actively investigating ultrasound criteria to differentiate between these two conditions. Nevertheless, practice shows the absence of such ultrasonic landmarks. For the first time in the literature, three cases of primary hypothyroidism have demonstrated an ultrasound pattern identical to that of Graves' disease. This pattern includes the presence of goiter, marked total hypoechogenicity of the parenchyma, significantly or moderately increased blood flow intensity ('thyroid inferno'), and elevated peak systolic velocity of the superior thyroid arteries. These signs are less common in hypothyroidism compared to hyperthyroidism. Diagnostic data suggest that the pathogeneses of primary hypothyroidism and Graves' disease share the same mechanisms, leading to similar thyroid ultrasound patterns. One of these shared mechanisms is presumably thyroid overstimulation by the autonomic nervous system, which is adequate to the body's hormonal requirements in hypothyroidism but excessive in hyperthyroidism.

Calcium oxalate crystals as a cause of multiple punctate echogenic foci in benign thyroid lesions.

PURPOSE: Multiple punctate echogenic foci (MPEF) on thyroid ultrasonography reflects psammoma bodies in papillary thyroid carcinomas. However, MPEF is also observed in benign thyroid lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the origin of MPEF in patients with benign thyroid lesions. METHODS: We enrolled 26 patients with Graves' disease (GD) and 24 with follicular nodular disease (FND) who exhibited MPEF and underwent surgery. As controls, we enrolled 40 patients with GD and 32 with FND, but without MPEF, who underwent surgery. RESULTS: MPEF was observed in both lobes in 80.8% of GDs with MPEF, but was limited to a single lobe in the remaining cases. MPEF was diffusely distributed in 72.3% of the cases and focally distributed in the remaining cases. On ultrasonography, most (92.3%) FNDs with MPEF were solid lesions, and seven nodules (26.9%) were interpreted as intermediate suspicion and their frequencies were higher than in those without MPEF (p < 0.01). Microscopically, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals were observed more frequently in GDs and FNDs with MPEF (100% and 88.5%, respectively) than in those without MPEF (p < 0.001). These differences were particularly significant for CaOx crystals > 100 µm. In GD cases, large CaOx crystals were observed more frequently in the lobes with MPEF than in those without (p < 0.05). No psammoma bodies were present in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: Appearance of MPEF in GDs and FNDs is not because of psammoma bodies; it is attributable to CaOx crystals larger than 100 µm. Therefore, MPEF is not an indicator of malignancy.

An easy approach to ultrasonographic volumetry of the thyroid.

To establish an easy way to perform volumetry of the thyroid gland using ultrasonography, we evaluated the accuracy of the products of the depth and width of the right thyroid lobe as indices of thyroid volume. The depth and width of both thyroid lobes were measured using ultrasonography before surgery in 193 patients with Graves' disease. The products were compared with the weight of the thyroid obtained from operative records. We also evaluated the depth and width of the right thyroid lobe in 312 subjects who presented without any thyroid disease. The products of depth and width of the right and left lobes of patients with Graves' disease correlated similarly well with the weight of the thyroid obtained from operative records (ρ = 0.896 for right, ρ = 0.886 for left, p < 0.0001). Because the right lobes were larger than the left lobes, the products of the depth and width of the right lobe were adopted as novel parameters for an easy volumetric approach. The relationship between the weight and the measurements of the right lobe was described using the following regression equation: weight (g) = [11.8 × depth (cm) × width (cm)] - 16.0. The products of the subjects without any thyroid diseases were distributed between 0.6 cm2 and 4.4 cm2, with a median of 2.0 cm2. The upper limit of these values in these subjects was estimated to be 3.8 cm2. This easy ultrasonographic volumetric technique makes it possible to perform a semi-quantitative assessment of thyroid volume and to differentiate diffuse goiter from normal-sized thyroids.

Using Bedside Spectral Doppler Ultrasound for the Assessment of Patients With Thyrotoxicosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the bedside utility of Spectral Doppler Ultrasound (SDUS) in the initial evaluation of patients presenting with thyrotoxicosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis at an academic outpatient endocrinology clinic from August 2019 to November 2022. The thyroid arteries' peak systolic velocities (PSV) were measured bilaterally using SDUS. PSV ≥40 cm/s in at least a single thyroid artery was considered a reasonable cut-off for Graves' disease and PSV of perinodular artery ≥ 25 cm/s for toxic adenoma. RESULTS: We identified 73 patients. Mean age ± standard deviation 45.2 ± 16.4 years, 54 (74.0%) were female, 49 (67.1%) were Caucasian, 23 (31.5%) were African American, and 1 (1.4%) was Asian. The confirmed diagnoses were 48 (65.8%) Graves' disease, 13 (17.8%) thyroiditis, four (5.5%) toxic adenoma, four (5.5%) amiodarone-induced thyroiditis type 2, 1 (1.4%) toxic multinodular goiter, 1 (1.4%) had an unremarkable repeat thyroid function testing, and two (2.7%) were unconfirmed. Diagnosis based on the SDUS initial assessment was accurate in 65 (89.0%) of the patients, and it was conclusive and confirmatory during the initial encounter in 55 (75.3%) of the patients before additional testing. A thyroid scan was obtained in nine (12.3%) patients. Incorrectly diagnosed patients were observed in two patients of each of the following categories: Graves' disease, thyroiditis, toxic adenoma, and unconfirmed diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: SDUS can be a valuable, efficient, and cost-effective bedside tool in the initial assessment of patients presenting with thyrotoxicosis.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes in Patients with Graves' Disease Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy With or Without Near Infrared Autofluorescence Imaging.

Background: The impact of near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging on postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia is controversial. As patients with Graves' disease are at increased risk, our aim was to compare postoperative parathyroid function in these patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT) with or without NIRAF imaging. Methods: This was a retrospective "before and after" study, comparing outcomes of patients who underwent TT without or with NIRAF imaging at a single center. Primary outcome was the incidence of temporary hypocalcemia and secondary outcomes, rates of incidental parathyroidectomy on final specimens and permanent hypocalcemia. Analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-Square tests. Continuous data are expressed as median (interquartile range). Results: There were 85 patients in NIRAF and 100 patients in non-NIRAF group. Groups were comparable regarding age, gender, body-mass index, and thyroid weight. Number of parathyroid glands identified intraoperatively was 3 in both groups (p = 0.47). Intraoperative parathyroid implantation rate was 16.5% in NIRAF and 6% in non-NIRAF group (p = 0.02). Incidental parathyroidectomy rate on final pathology was 12.9% in NIRAF and 32% in non-NIRAF group (p = 0.002). The rates of temporary (11.7% vs. 16%) and permanent hypocalcemia (2.4% vs. 2%) were similar between the two groups, respectively (p = 0.66). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study investigating the impact of NIRAF on postoperative parathyroid function after thyroidectomy for Graves' disease. The rate of incidental parathyroidectomy on final pathology was lower with use of NIRAF, without an impact on temporary or permanent hypocalcemia rates compared to conventional technique.

Thyroid Accumulation of 99m Tc-DTPA in Graves Disease.

ABSTRACT: 99m Tc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy for evaluating glomerular filtration rate was performed in a 29-year-old woman with hyperuricemia and Graves disease. Subsequently, 99m Tc-DTPA orbital scintigraphy was conducted to determine the activity of Graves ophthalmopathy. Thyroid accumulation of 99m Tc-DTPA was incidentally identified. This should be cautiously distinguished from 99m Tc-pertechnetate uptake, considering that the salivary glands, oral cavity, and stomach were not visualized. Our case demonstrates that augmentation of blood supply, enhancement of capillary permeability, and accumulation of inflammatory exudate may be involved in the pathological process of Graves disease.

In Graves' disease, thyroid autoantibodies and ultrasound features correlate with distinctive histological features.

PURPOSE: Laboratory, imaging, and pathological features of Graves' disease (GD), although well characterized, have been barely correlated each other. Aim of the study was to link laboratory and ultrasound characteristics of GD with its pathological features. METHODS: We correlated laboratory and ultrasound data at the time of diagnosis in 28 consecutive GD patients who underwent thyroidectomy with their pathological features, i.e., lymphocytic infiltration and follicular hyperplasia (both classified as mild or severe). RESULTS: Thyroid volume correlated positively with the levels of FT4 (P = 0.002, r2 = 0.42), FT3 (P = 0.011, r2 = 0.22), autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAbs) (P = 0.016, r2 = 0.32), autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPOAbs) (P = 0.011, r2 = 0.34) and the extent of lymphocytic infiltration (P = 0.006 comparing mild to severe lymphocytic infiltration) but not with the levels of autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TRAbs) and to follicular hyperplasia. Compared to subjects with mild lymphocytic infiltration, those with severe lymphocytic infiltration showed higher levels of TgAbs (316 vs 0.0 IU/mL, P < 0.0001) and TPOAbs (295 IU/mL vs 14 IU/mL, P < 0.0001) and similar levels of TRAbs (7.5 vs 13 IU/mL, P = 0.68). Compared to patients with mild, those with severe follicular hyperplasia had similar levels of TgAbs (76 vs 30 IU/mL, P = 0.31) and TPOAbs (251 IU/mL vs 45 IU/mL, P = 0.26) but higher levels of TRAbs (39 vs 7.2 IU/mL, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In GD, TgAbs and TPOAbs levels correlate with the extent of lymphocytic infiltration, TRAbs levels with the degree of follicular hyperplasia. Thyroid volume, the main factor influencing the severity of hyperthyroidism, is related to lymphocytic infiltration and not to follicular hyperplasia.

Radioiodine treatment of pediatric Graves disease: a multicenter review.

BACKGROUND: There is no standardized approach to iodine-131 (I-131) therapy of hyperthyroidism in pediatric Graves disease. This prevents systematic study of outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To characterize current radioiodine dosing and define therapeutic outcomes at multiple institutions that use ultrasound to measure thyroid size to guide I-131 ablation of Graves disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at three institutions. The three sites collected demographic data, thyroid volume measured by ultrasound (mL), pre-ablation radioiodine uptake, I-131 activity administered, and outcomes at 6 and 12 months for children younger than 18 years of age treated with I-131 between November 2004 and October 2019. Comparisons of continuous variables were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (mean age: 14.5±2.5 years) were included, 59 (85.5%) of whom were female. The mean administered I-131 radioiodine activity was 12.5 mCi (463 MBq) (range: 3.8-29.9 mCi [141-1,106 MBq]). At 6 months post-ablation, 54 (80.5% of 67) patients were hypothyroid, 8 (11.9% of 67) were euthyroid and 5 were hyperthyroid. Two of the five hyperthyroid patients had become euthyroid at 12 months. At 12 months, 1 previously euthyroid patient was hyperthyroid. Administered activity per mL of thyroid tissue adjusted for 24-h uptake was lower (0.18 mCi [6.7 MBq] x %/mL vs. 0.31 mCi [11.5 MBq] x %/mL, P=0.0054) for patients who remained hyperthyroid at 6 months. CONCLUSION: There is substantial variability in administered activity for radioiodine ablation of Graves disease in children. Efforts to standardize practice should start by standardizing administered activity guided by measurement of thyroid size by ultrasound. Our results and those of previous studies suggest the need for administered activities ≥0.25 mCi [9.3 MBq] x %/mL of thyroid tissue.

Ischemic Stroke and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Moyamoya Syndrome Associated With Graves' Disease: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Moyamoya syndrome is commonly associated with sickle cell anemia, neurofibromatosis type 1, cranial therapeutic irradiation, and Down syndrome. However, it is rare for Moyamoya syndrome associated with Graves' disease. CASE REPORT: Here we report a case of Moyamoya syndrome associated with Graves' disease in a 19-year-old girl with sudden weakness of the right arm, progressive caries, and alopecia for 4 years. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute intraventricular hemorrhage and cerebral infarction of left middle cerebral artery territory and narrowing of the proximal portion of bilateral anterior and middle cerebral arteries. CONCLUSION: Acute cerebral infarction and intraventricular hemorrhage can occur simultaneously in Moyamoya syndrome associated with Graves' disease. Hydrocortisone, combined with prothiouracil medication, can correct thyroid dysfunction and improve neurological function. Caries may be the first symptom of Graves' disease.

Diagnostic role of thyroid elastography in pediatric patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease: A prospective controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease are autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland, and both diseases are diagnosed with ultrasound findings and autoantibody height. However, ultrasound (US) findings may be normal in both diseases rarely. In some pediatric studies, it was reported that shear wave velocity values in autoimmune thyroiditis were significantly higher than normal thyroid parenchyma and it was recommended to be used as a diagnostic method. Our study will address the evaluation of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease by thyroid elastography and the role of this method in diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 20 patients with Graves' disease and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in our study prospectively. Thyroid Elastography and US were applied to all patients. RESULTS: In US, Hashimoto's thyroiditis had a hypoechoic echo pattern compared to graves' disease (p < 0.05). When shear wave velocity (SWV) value of children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease were compared with the control group, thyroid tissue showed more stiffness in both disease groups (p = 0.001). When SWV values were compared between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.73). CONCLUCION: SWV values were found to be higher in children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease compared to the control group and contributes to the diagnosis of these diseases. However, the elastography technique alone is not sufficient to differentiate. Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.

Multiparametric ultrasound-based assessment of overt hyperthyroid diffuse thyroid disease.

Introduction: Hyperthyroidismis a prevalent condition affecting global populations, with an overall prevalence of 1.2%. Our research aimed to establish a systematic diagnostic approach using multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) to diagnose hyperthyroid diffuse thyroid disease (DTD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from June 2021 to June 2023 at a specialized endocrinology center in Timisoara, Romania, enrolling subjects presenting with clinical hyperthyroidism. Using the Mach 30 Aixplorer ultrasound equipment, evaluations were performed initially in B-mode US, followed by Color Doppler and Spectral Doppler measurements, and finally, 2D Shear wave elastography (SWE). Results: From the 218 patients analyzed, the diagnosis of DTD with hyperthyroidism was confirmed through biochemical assessment, subgrouping various pathologies such as subacute thyroiditis, Graves' disease, painless thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iatrogenic, as well as healthy controls. In the first step, B-mode hypoechogenicity had an AUC of 0.951 for DTD detection. In the second step, the peak systolic velocity differentiated Graves' disease with a median of 42.4 cm/s and an AUC of 1. Lastly, the third step consisted of SWE evaluation, revealing a mean elasticity index in the SAT subgroup significantly higher from other subgroups (p<0.001) with an AUC of 1. Conclusion: Our study offers a step-by-step evaluation algorithm for DTD diagnosis, with a very good overall diagnostic performance (AUC of 0.946).

[Thyroid ultrasound and its role in the investigation of thyroid disease]. / Ultraljud värdefullt komplement i utredning av tyreoideasjukdom.

In Europe thyroid ultrasound has been used at outpatient endocrine clinics since many years, and in southern Sweden only during the last years. Ultrasound has a role in the investigation of Graves' disease, subacute thyroiditis, gestational thyrotoxicosis, postpartum thyroiditis, amiodarone thyrotoxicosis and goiter with or without adenoma, but adenomas are usually investigated by endocrine surgeons in Sweden. If widely used the risk for detection of incidentaloma increases. Indications have to be strictly used to avoid further investigations. If an adenoma is localized, the risk for malignancy and requirement of aspiration is estimated by use of the EU-TIRADS classification based on morphology and size. The aspirate is judged by the Bethesda classification, which determines if further investigation is needed. The use of ultrasound at the outpatient clinic has improved the diagnostic quality and follow-up of thyroid patients.

The role of PET/CT in thyroid autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders. They include, in particular, Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis with a wide range of different functional status ranging from subclinical biochemical abnormalities to severe hyperthyroidism or severe hypothyroidism respectively. Furthermore, other conditions more frequently infectious or drug related can cause an immune reaction in the thyroid tissue. In AITDs, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) does not play a primary role for disease diagnosis or management, but accidental findings can occur in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, and they should be recognized and well interpreted. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed databases was conducted to identify papers (systematic review, prospective and retrospective study, case report) evaluating the role of PET/CT in thyroid autoimmune diseases. Thyroid diffuse uptake of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) has been shown to be frequently associated with AITDs, but also with immune-induced thyroid disorders related to SARS-CoV-2 or immunotherapy, while malignant lesions more often have a focal aspect. Other radiopharmaceuticals as [68Ga]-DOTA-peptides, [68Ga]-fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs) and [68Ga]-prostate specific membrane antigen ([68Ga]-PSMA) showed similar findings. In conclusion, PET/CT scan in AITDs does not play a primary role in the diagnosis, but the occasional finding of a thyroid uptake must always be described in the report and possibly investigated for a better patient's management.

Usefulness of Real-Time Quantitative Microvascular Ultrasonography for Differentiation of Graves' Disease from Destructive Thyroiditis in Thyrotoxic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular ultrasonography (MVUS) is a third-generation Doppler technique that was developed to increase sensitivity compared to conventional Doppler. The purpose of this study was to compare MVUS with conventional color Doppler (CD) and power Doppler (PD) imaging to distinguish Graves' disease (GD) from destructive thyroiditis (DT). METHODS: This prospective study included 101 subjects (46 GDs, 47 DTs, and eight normal controls) from October 2020 to November 2021. All ultrasonography examinations were performed using microvascular flow technology (MV-Flow). The CD, PD, and MVUS images were semi-quantitatively graded according to blood flow patterns. On the MVUS images, vascularity indices (VIs), which were the ratio (%) of color pixels in the total grayscale pixels in a defined region of interest, were obtained automatically. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to verify the diagnostic performance of MVUS. The interclass correlation coefficient and Cohen's kappa analysis were used to analyze the reliability of MVUS (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT04879173). RESULTS: The area under the curve (AUC) for CD, PD, MVUS, and MVUS-VI was 0.822, 0.844, 0.808, and 0.852 respectively. The optimal cutoff value of the MVUS-VI was 24.95% for distinguishing GD and DT with 87% sensitivity and 80.9% specificity. We found a significant positive correlation of MVUS-VI with thyrotropin receptor antibody (r=0.554) and with thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin bioassay (r=0.841). MVUS showed high intra- and inter-observer reliability from various statistical method. CONCLUSION: In a real time and quantitative manner, MVUS-VI could be helpful to differentiate GD from thyroiditis in thyrotoxic patients, with less inter-observer variability.

[Graves' Disease]. / Morbus Basedow.

DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis of Graves' disease is mainly based on ultrasonography and laboratory diagnostics. This includes the determination of the TSH value and the peripheral thyroid hormones. TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) measurement is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of Graves' disease (GD) and helps to distinguish from autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). However, as recent studies show, some may AIT patients may also reveal TRAb. THERAPY: Current guidelines recommend primarily the use of thiamazol/carbimazole in GD. Due to the comparatively higher hepatotoxicity, propylthiouracil is not recommended as first line therapy. In case of relapse during 12 up to 18 months of antithyroid drug therapy or after a frustrating attempt at cessation, definitive therapy should be considered. Alternatively, in accordance with the current recommendations of the European Thyroid Association, drug therapy may be continued for up to 12 months after initial diagnosis. PREGNANCY: The treatment of active GD during pregnancy is problematic due to diaplacental crossing of peripheral thyroid hormones, TSH receptor stimulating antibodies and antithyroid drugs. According to current guidelines, PTU is recommended during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, whereas for the 2nd and 3 rd trimester no special recommendations are given. After that, you can choose which antithyroid drug might be used. The aim of antithyroid drug therapy during pregnancy is to achieve a suppressed TSH value together with normal or slightly increased fT4 while using lowest effective dose of antithyroid drug. IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS (ICI): The most common endocrine side effect with this therapy is thyroid dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism; occur most frequently in combination therapy (CTLA-4 / anti-PD-1 therapy) ICI mainly causes destructive thyroiditis with lymphocytic infiltration; GD is absolutely rare in this context and only few cases are described.

Association of an empty sella and grave´s disease in a patient with acromegaly: a case report.

Acromegaly is, in most cases, caused by growth hormone secreting pituitary adenomas. Those patients often develop different pathologies of the thyroid gland, however, the occurrence of Grave´s disease is quite a rare situation. We report a case of a 64-year-old female patient who presented with signs of hyperthyroidism and imbalance of her diabetes mellitus. On physical examination, she had facial features of acromegaly. Biochemical testing confirmed the suspicion of acromegaly and Grave´s disease, with an elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 and a suppressed thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) with positive TSH-receptor antibodies. A pituitary Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed, revealing a macro-adenoma and an empty sella. The patient successfully underwent a transsphenoidal surgery and obtained a remission of her hyperthyroidism under anti-thyroid drugs.

Graves' disease presenting with hypomania and paranoia to the acute psychiatry service.

This manuscript describes the case of a young woman, with no prior psychiatric history, who developed hypomania and paranoia as the principal presenting features of Graves' disease. After starting treatment with carbimazole and propranolol, symptoms resolved without the use of antipsychotic drugs. Close liaison between psychiatry and endocrinology services was essential. This demonstrates that treating underlying thyrotoxicosis in patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms may lead to recovery without the use of antipsychotic medication. While agitation, irritability and mood lability are well-recognised thyrotoxic symptoms, psychosis is a rare presenting feature of Graves' disease. All patients with agitation, delirium or psychiatric symptoms should have thyroid function checked as part of initial tests screening for organic disease. In new or relapsing psychiatric conditions, it is important to ask patients, their carers or relatives about symptoms of hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.

Evaluation of the Stiffness of Thyroid Parenchyma With Shear Wave Elastography Using a Free-Region of Interest Technique in Graves Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The first aim was to evaluate the stiffness of thyroid parenchyma with shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients with Graves disease (GD) and compare the elastographic values with those of asymptomatic volunteers. The second aim was to evaluate whether there was a correlation between SWE values and grayscale ultrasound (US) and laboratory parameters. METHODS: In this prospective study, the thyroid gland parenchyma of 50 patients whose clinical and laboratory findings were indicative for GD and 54 asymptomatic participants with normal laboratory values was examined by SWE. Grayscale US images of the thyroid and submandibular gland were recorded. The volume of the thyroid gland was measured. Elastographic measurements were performed with a free region of interest. The quantitative SWE values (meters per second and kilopascals) of the patient and control groups were compared. A correlation analysis between the SWE values and grayscale US and laboratory parameters was performed. RESULTS: The median (range) SWE values of the thyroid gland in patients with GD were significantly higher than those of the control group [17.34 (12.58-56.15) versus 12.05 (7.72-23.67) kPa and 2.28 (1.83-4.12) versus 1.92 (1.55-2.61) m/s; P < .001 for both comparisons]. When 14.5 kPa or 2.115 m/s was designated as the cutoff value, GD could be diagnosed with a high sensitivity and specificity. We showed a negative weak correlation between the SWE values and parenchymal echogenicity in the GD group. CONCLUSIONS: Shear wave elastography can be used as an effective imaging method with high sensitivity and specificity rates in the diagnosis of GD.