Ultrasound Assessment of Thyroid Tissue Disorders in Women with Hypothyroidism Syndrome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31149/ijimm.v4i4.2874Keywords:
Thyroid Gland, Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Nodular Goiter, Hypothyroidism, Ultra-Sound Imaging, Thyroid Function, Reproductive Health, Iodine DeficiencyAbstract
Thyroid disorders are a significant public health concern, particularly in iodine-deficient regions where they have a particularly pronounced impact on women of reproductive age. This study aimed to evaluate the structural and functional alterations to the thyroid gland in women diagnosed with hypothyroidism syndrome, using ultrasound imaging and hormonal assessments. A comparative analysis was conducted between women with hypothyroidism and a euthyroid control group. The results showed a significantly higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in women with hypothyroidism, occurring around five times more frequently than in the control group. However, the incidence of nodular, mixed and multinodular goitre did not differ significantly between the groups, suggesting that these structural abnormalities may not be directly associated with hypothyroidism. Notably, thyroid hypoplasia was substantially more prevalent in patients with hypothyroidism, suggesting potential long-term endocrine and developmental implications. Conversely, thyroid enlargement was more prevalent in the control group, with grade I and grade II goitre detected in 44% and 66% of cases, respectively. These results could reflect compensatory mechanisms related to iodine deficiency rather than intrinsic thyroid dysfunction.Overall, the results emphasise the strong association between hypothyroidism and autoimmune processes affecting thyroid tissue, while also highlighting the complex interplay between environmental factors, such as iodine deficiency, and thyroid morphology. The study emphasises the importance of early diagnostic screening and targeted clinical management strategies to mitigate reproductive and metabolic complications in affected women.
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