Thyroid Radiology

Question 1

Describe the role of x-rays in thyroid evaluation.

Answer 1

X-rays are useful in evaluating the thyroid only insofar as they can show the mass effect of an enlarged thyroid. For instance, enlarged thyroids will press on the trachea and an x-ray can show a deviated trachea.

Question 2

The best modality to detect and describe thyroid nodules is ___________.

Answer 2

ultrasound

Question 3

The thyroid normally appears slightly brighter on CT because _______________.

Answer 3

iodide attenuates the radiation

Question 4

MRIs are used to identify ____________ in thyroid disease.

Answer 4

infiltration (not nodules)

Question 5

10% - 40% of people have an additional thyroid lobe arising from the isthmus called the ___________.

Answer 5

pyramid

Question 6

What are the differences between I123 and I131?

Answer 6

I123 is just used for imaging/uptake, while I131 can treat hyperthyroidism/cancer of the thyroid, too.

Question 7

Malignancies are less likely in ________ nodules.

Answer 7

functional (hot)

Question 8

Imaging cannot be used to determine _______________.

Answer 8

whether a thyroid mass is malignant

Question 9

Generally, only nodules greater than ____ cm are evaluated for malignancy.

Answer 9

1