Doppler Ultrasonography in Predicting Relapse of Hyperthyroidism in Graves' Disease

• Published in: Acta radiologica (1987) 2000-01, Vol.41 (1), p.45-48
• Main Authors: Varsamidis, K., Varsamidou, E., Mavropoulos, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0284-1851; 1600-0455
• DOI: 10.1080/028418500127344948

Purpose: To determine whether Doppler ultrasonography could be useful in the prediction of relapse of hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves disease. Material and Methods: Forty patients with Graves disease confirmed by laboratory tests were examined for a number of blood flow parameters in the inferior thyroid artery before and after they were subjected to proper antithyroid drug treatment. Data were retrospectively reviewed and compared with findings for a control group of 16 age-matched subjects. Results: Significantly increased blood flow parameters were observed both in patients with active hyperthyroidism before treatment and in euthyroid patients who presented a relapse shortly after withdrawal of proper antithyroid drug treatment versus normal controls. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between patients who remained in stable remission and normal controls. Conclusion: Our results support the concept that Doppler ultrasonography evaluation of patients with Graves disease may contribute to the detection of a relapsing course of hyperthyroidism.