Three-dimensional ultrasound images and fine-needle aspiration biopsy of a thyroid nodule.

摘要

Ultrasonography is the preferred technology for visualizing the thyroid gland and detecting thyroid malignant lesions. It defines the shape, size, texture, and vascularity of the thyroid gland and any lesion within or adjacent to the gland. Commonly used ultrasound technology provides 2-dimensional (2D) images. Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound technology offers greater detail and is now being applied extensively in fetal imaging and other medical arenas. Currently, however, it is not being used for imaging of thyroid nodules and thyroid-related pathologic conditions. The subsequent case illustrates the detail of the 3D ultrasound images of a thyroid nodule and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of that nodule.