Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Background: Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules, are common endocrine conditions. Ultrasound (US) is a valuable, non-invasive tool for diagnosing these disorders, offering detailed anatomical insights and aiding in distinguishing benign from malignant nodules. 
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the role of ultrasound in diagnosing thyroid disorders, its correlation with thyroid hormone levels, and its diagnostic accuracy in predicting malignancy.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikrit University Teaching Hospital with 900 patients (450 males and 450 females) aged 30-50 years. The participants were categorized into three hormonal subgroups: normal, elevated TSH (hypothyroid), and suppressed TSH (hyperthyroid). Ultrasound evaluated gland size, echogenicity, and vascularity, and FNAC was performed on suspicious nodules. Hormonal assays were conducted to measure TSH, free T3, and free T4 levels. 
Results: Thyroid nodules were found in 60% of patients, with a higher incidence in females (65%) compared to males (55%). FNAC confirmed malignancy in 30 out of 135 suspicious nodules. Ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 89.2%, specificity of 93.5%, positive predictive value (85.1%), and negative predictive value (95.2%). Significant correlations were found between nodule size and malignancy risk (r = 0.95, p< 0.001). Gender differences in thyroid hormone levels were also observed, with females having higher TSH and free T3 levels.
Conclusion: ultrasound, FNAC, and hormonal assays are crucial for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders. Regular monitoring of thyroid nodules is essential for early malignancy detection, and future studies should explore advanced imaging and molecular diagnostics for improved diagnostic accuracy.