Volume 49, Issue 1 March 2025 JVU 491-25 | The Relevance of Thyroid Nodules in Vascular Ultrasound: A Case-based Literature Review-Volume 49, Issue 1 March 2025 JVU 491-25 | The Relevance of Thyroid Nodules in Vascular Ultrasound: A Case-based Literature Review

Volume 49, Issue 1 March 2025 JVU 491-25 | The Relevance of Thyroid Nodules in Vascular Ultrasound: A Case-based Literature Review

Back to course

Pdf Summary

The article "The Relevance of Thyroid Nodules in Vascular Ultrasound: A Case-Based Literature Review" published in the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound examines the incidental finding of thyroid nodules during carotid duplex ultrasound studies. Although not the primary focus of carotid exams, these nodules are present in up to 67% of ultrasounds, with 1% to 15% being malignant. The study underscores the importance for vascular technologists to identify and characterize such nodules, noting that definitive investigation often involves dedicated thyroid studies using the TI-RADS classification.<br /><br />Thyroid nodules' characteristics, such as size, shape, margins, echogenicity, and blood flow patterns, are crucial for interpreting physicians to assess and report, thus potentially guiding further diagnostic efforts like a detailed thyroid ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans, and sometimes biopsy. Given the importance of early detection, recognizing suspicious features such as irregular shape, microcalcifications, or distorted blood flow patterns can be critical.<br /><br />Technologists and interpreting physicians should follow guidelines within the Scope of Practice to ensure incidental but significant findings are documented and reported to referring healthcare providers. While facilities might not typically expect vascular technologists to conduct full thyroid examinations, awareness and training enable basic documentation and referral for further investigation.<br /><br />The review advocates for a structured approach in identifying and reporting thyroid nodules using recognized terms and guidelines, which enhances communication between technologists, interpreting physicians, and referring providers. Ultimately, such an approach can drive timely and potentially life-saving diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Keywords

thyroid nodules

vascular ultrasound

carotid duplex

TI-RADS classification

echogenicity

blood flow patterns

incidental findings

diagnostic efforts

Scope of Practice

structured approach