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Ultrasonographic manifestations and thyroid volume changes in postpartum thyroid disease
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F Sarvghadi   , H Shahbazian , Y Mehrabi , M Hedayati , F Azizi |
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Abstract: (33196 Views) |
| Abstract: Thyroid dysfunction during the first year after delivery (postpartum thyroid disease: PPTD) is an immunologic reaction which has been of interest to researchers for many years. This disease includes Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, and postpartum thyroiditis. Ultrasonographic manifestations have been reported as diffuse or multifocal hypoechogenicity of the thyroid tissue. The purpose of this study was to compare thyroid volume and sonographic manifestations in a group of PPTD patients with controls in Tehran. From 120 mothers with PPTD, 65 agreed to undergo ultrasonography. Ninety-seven healthy mothers were selected after delivery as the control group. Thyroid examination and ultrasongraphy were done monthly from delivery to recovery. Thyroid size and echogenicity were studied. Visible goiter was present in 6.7% of controls and 21.8% of cases (P<0.001). 98.5% of patients had distinct hypoechogenicity, while the figure was only 7% in the control group (P<0.001). Nodules were seen in 8% of patients, but in 1% of the controls. These changes were present in monthly follow-up ultrasonographies until recovery, and their degree was related to the intensity of the disease. Mean thyroid volume of patients at the onset of the disease was 77% more than that of the control group (P<0.005). As the patients recovered, thyroid volume decreased by 25% compared with the onset, but it was still a little more than that of the control group. This study shows the importance of ultrasonography, along with laboratory tests and antibody levels, in confirming thyroid inflammation, course of the disease, and subsequent recurrences. |
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| Keywords: Ultrasonography, Thyroid dysfunction, Delivery, Thyroid volume |
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Endocrinology
Received: 2006/11/30 | Published: 2000/12/15
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