IMAGING OF THE THYROID GLAND IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

There are various diseases of the thyroid gland in pediatric and adolescent age group

and early diagnosis of some of those diseases like congenital hypothyroidism is

very important in pediatric development. Radiology plays a key role in the di

agnosis with thyroid function tests. Ultrasonography (US) is the first line modality used

in thyroid imaging in children and adolescents along with scintigraphy. In this chapter,

we will review key diagnostic imaging features of the normal thyroid gland, congenital

abnormalities, diffuse and focal diseases of the thyroid gland.

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hyroid diseases in pediatric and adolescent patients are important as early detection

in certain cases can affect the development of the patient (1). Ultrasonography (US) is

the first line modality used in thyroid imaging in children and adolescents along with

scintigraphy. Computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are

complementary imaging modalities in rare situations for thyroid diseases in children.

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he advantages of US are radiation free technique, easily accessible and low cost but the

disadvantage is that it is operator dependent. High-resolution ultrasound with thyroid

function tests provides diagnosis in almost all the cases with the use of scintigraphy in

certain situations. Common indications for pediatric thyroid ultrasound are evaluation

of congenital hypothyroidism, palpable lump in the thyroid or in the migration pathway,

screening carcinomas and follow up nodules (2). In this chapter, we will focus on the key

diagnostic imaging features of the congenital abnormalities, diffuse thyroid diseases and

focal pathologies.