ABSTRACT
Given the location of the thyroid gland and biology of thyroid hormone synthesis, several different radiologic modalities maybe used, including scintigraphy, computed tomography, and ultrasound. Technetium scan pertechnetate is a radio-isotope that mimics iodine and is used for thyroid imaging. It is administered via intravenous injection and is trapped in the thyrocyte via the sodium iodide symporter in the thyroid cell. Based on the anterior neck location, the thyroid gland can easily be viewed by a non-invasive method such as a thyroid ultrasound. Thyroid ultrasonography can detect and localize the thyroid gland and measure volume. The best use of thyroid ultrasound is to define thyroid nodules. If on physical exam, a thyroid nodule is palpated or a thyroid nodule is found incidentally on another imaging study, a thyroid ultrasound is recommended for further characterization of the nodule. Generally, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are not required for characterization of the thyroid gland.
