Doppler ultrasonography in predicting relapse of hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease

Abstract

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