Fetal thymus size in pregnant women with Hashimoto disease

• Published in: Journal of clinical ultrasound 2024-10, Vol.52 (8), p.1066-1070
• Main Authors: Kasap, Esin, Saglam, Ceren, Torun, Raziye, Turkler, Can, Gur, Esra Bahar, Güleç, Ebru Sahin, Bozgeyik, Mehmet Bora
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diameters; fetal thymus size; Fetuses; Hashimoto's thyroiditis; Hypothyroidism; Pregnancy; Statistical analysis; Thorax; Thymus; Thyroiditis; ultrasound
• ISSN: 0091-2751; 1097-0096; 1097-0096
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23764

Purpose This study compared fetal thymic‐thoracic ratios and fetal thymus transverse diameter measurements in pregnant women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and non‐immune hypothyroidism. Methods The study included a total of 141 pregnant women in three groups: 41 with HT, 50 with non‐immune hypothyroidism, and 50 healthy individuals. Fetal thymus transverse diameter and thymic‐thoracic ratio were compared between these groups. Results The mean fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio was greater in pregnant women with HT than in the healthy controls (p = 0.031). Mean fetal thymus transverse diameter showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusions Maternal HT was associated with an increased fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio and fetal thymus transverse diameter measurements in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and non‐immune hypothyroidism. Maternal HT was associated with an increased fetal TTR. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject.