Echogenicity of the Thyroid

Abstract

An important feature used to evaluate the thyroid gland on ultrasound is its echogenicity, which is a grayscale display indicating different tissue densities. The echogenicity of a structure depends on how easily ultrasound waves are propagated or reflected through tissue and it is used to characterize various types of thyroid pathology. The echogenicity of the overall thyroid gland and of individual nodules can help distinguish common benign entities such as colloid cysts, thyroiditis, and multinodular goiter from other conditions that may warrant tissue sampling. In addition, assessment of the echogenicity of a thyroid nodule in conjunction with other features is useful in risk stratification for potential malignancy and is valuable in guiding management of many thyroid conditions.