From the Research
Ultrasound of the Thyroid in Cases of Elevated Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies
- The clinical usefulness of thyroid ultrasonography in patients with primary hypothyroidism has been evaluated in a prospective cross-sectional observational study 1.
- The study found that ultrasonography is useful in the aetiological diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism and in the detection of coexisting, unsuspected, but clinically relevant nodular goitre.
- Another study found that thyroid autoantibodies, including antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), are common in the general population and are associated with abnormalities in thyroid function and structure 2.
- The presence of TgAb has been found to interfere with serum thyroglobulin determination, and neck ultrasonography is recommended in patients with detectable TgAb and negative thyroglobulin-immunometric assay (Tg-IMA) results 3.
Association between Thyroid Autoantibodies and Thyroid Function
- A cross-sectional survey found that the prevalence of TgAb positivity is significantly higher in female subjects and in those with subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical hyper- and hypothyroidism 2.
- A study of infertile women with subclinical hypothyroidism found that thyroid autoimmunity may be present even in the absence of anti-thyroid antibodies and goiter 4.
- Elevated TgAb levels have been found to be associated with symptom burden in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, suggesting a role of thyroid autoimmunity in clinical manifestations of the disease 5.
Recommendations for Ultrasound of the Thyroid
- Based on the available evidence, ultrasound of the thyroid may be considered in cases of elevated Anti-Tg antibodies in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, particularly if there are symptoms or other indications of thyroid disease 1, 2, 3.
- However, the decision to perform ultrasound should be individualized and based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's clinical presentation and laboratory results.