Ultrasonographic appearance of Graves' disease - acute vs. relapsing hyperthyroidism
First hyperthyroidism
Relapse of hyperthyroidism

Right lobe, gray scale mode

Right lobe, color Doppler mode

Left lobe, gray scale mode

Left lobe, color Doppler mode

Compare the 2 series of pictures.

At the time of the discontinuation of methimazole therapy, the size of the thyroid, the echogenicity and the vascularization have normalized.

The persistence of hypoechogenicity and/or increased vascularization are predictors of relapse of hyperthyroidism. There is a very strong correlation between the TSH-receptor antibody test and the former sonographic features regarding their prognostic value.

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