Perform an ultrasound of the child's thyroid gland. Important examination for children: Ultrasound of the thyroid gland for a child

A referral for an ultrasound of the child’s thyroid gland is given by a pediatrician. Often parents are not even aware of the need for a detailed examination endocrine system your child.

Important. On initial stages Many pathologies are practically asymptomatic, which makes their early diagnosis difficult.

It is necessary to pay attention to the following signs that may become indications for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland:

• weakness, apathy, drowsiness;
• excessive activity, irritability;
• causeless fluctuations in body temperature;
• violations heart rate;
• swelling of the neck;
• difficulty swallowing;
• attacks of suffocation;
• unexplained weight loss or gain.

Weakness and apathy - possible signs hypothyroidism

It is also necessary to visit an endocrinologist if there is a hereditary tendency to diseases of this system or if you live in an area with an unfavorable environmental situation.

Irregularities at work thyroid gland can lead to adverse consequences, including delayed development of the child.

Remember. It is extremely rare for oncological processes to develop in an organ, but even benign tumor may cause complications: violation hormonal levels, heart failure, suffocation.

What is a thyroid ultrasound?

Performing an ultrasound of the thyroid gland in children is essentially no different from a similar procedure in adults. To make it easier for the doctor to establish a diagnosis, it is first necessary to undergo a set of basic tests, including donating blood. Tests for young children often become a much greater challenge than an ultrasound examination.

Preparation

Any medical procedure has its own procedure for preparing for it. When it comes to ultrasound examinations, the specific requirements depend on the area being examined. Preparation for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland in a child does not involve any specific measures.

In order for your baby to feel comfortable during the examination, you need to take care of the following:

• Explain to the child that the procedure is completely safe and painless. It is important to eliminate psychological discomfort and fear of doctors.
• A few hours before your visit to the hospital, you need to feed your child so that the food has time to digest. This will relieve him of the feeling of hunger and reduce the risk of a gag reflex when pressing on the larynx.
• You need to take water to drink with you, as well as a bedding for the couch, for example, a towel or a pharmacy disposable diaper.

Examination procedure

The ultrasound examination of the child's thyroid gland is performed by an endocrinologist or ultrasound diagnostician. Gel is applied to the baby’s neck, and the head of the device is passed over the area where the thyroid gland is located. It takes no more than 10-15 minutes to examine the tissue structure and identify deviations.

The organ itself and the tissues surrounding it, including arteries, are visible on the screen.

Note. The standard technique involves the use of black and white contrast images. For more detailed study blood supply to tissues is additionally performed with color Doppler scanning.

Decoding the results

A conclusion regarding the diagnosis is issued after all necessary auxiliary studies have been carried out, as well as analysis of the data obtained during an ultrasound examination. Interpretation of ultrasound of the thyroid gland in children is carried out according to a standard procedure - basic indicators are assessed.

What indicators are assessed during ultrasound?

In order to determine the condition of the thyroid gland, the following indicators are considered:

• Structure is determined by the degree of homogeneity and density, which demonstrates the level of tissue echogenicity.
• The dimensions of the lobes and the organ as a whole - both linear parameters and volume are taken into account.
• The boundaries of the lobes are normally quite clear and even.
• Blood supply - color required doppler mapping, showing the location of blood vessels and the degree of blood saturation of individual parts of the organ.

Below is a table with the norms of ultrasound of the thyroid gland in children:

Normal size of the thyroid gland in children under 15 years of age.

Important. Additionally, the adjacent tissues of the larynx, as well as the lymph nodes, are examined.

Signs of pathology

It is quite possible to notice even small deviations in the structure of the gland, provided that the examination is carried out by a qualified specialist. The following signs of pathology are possible:

• an increase in organ volume, which indicates tissue hyperplasia or tumor;
• changes in the level of echogenicity of individual areas (cysts, tumors, nodes);
• highlighting clear boundaries of nodes or, conversely, blurring the boundaries of formations;
• changes in structure lymph nodes, their increase;
• identification of calcified inclusions (may indicate cancer).

If an ultrasound scan of the child’s thyroid gland reveals any abnormalities, auxiliary studies may be required to clarify the situation. In particular, in the presence of nodes larger than 1-3 cm, a puncture biopsy is used to determine the nature of changes in tissues and timely diagnose oncology.

In general, the ultrasound procedure is completely safe for children of any age, so it can be performed repeatedly if necessary. Timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

For those who are looking for where to get an ultrasound of the thyroid gland for children in Moscow, good choice will become the children's medical center "Human Health", located in the North-Eastern Administrative District. It is easy to get here from the Bibirevo, Vladykino or Otradnoe metro stations.

Research for any age

Ultrasound examination, or ultrasonography - absolutely safe method non-invasive diagnostics using ultrasound waves. It is suitable for children of any age, including the youngest. It has been proven that ultrasonic waves are completely harmless to human body, so the study can be carried out repeatedly without risk to the baby’s health. The doctor moves a sensor over the skin lubricated with gel, and an image appears on the screen. Decoding the data takes a minimum of time, so the research results are ready immediately.

Why is a diagnostic procedure needed?

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland for children is prescribed in the following cases:

• if during a preventive examination the doctor discovered lumps on the child’s neck;
• if apathy, drowsiness, fatigue or, conversely, agitation, insomnia, hyper-emotionality are observed;
• when living in a region where drinking water not enough iodine;
• with a sudden and unreasonable change in weight;
• with a constant increase or decrease in body temperature;
• if dry skin and hair, brittle nails are noticeable;
• when a child does not adapt well to temperature changes environment, he is constantly hot or, conversely, cold;
• for breathing problems, shortness of breath;
• if heart rhythm disturbances, bradycardia were detected;
• if the child is at risk, he has a predisposition to thyroid diseases;
• when living in a city with an unfavorable environmental situation.

This variety of indications is explained simply: thyroid hormones affect all body systems, especially the nervous system. The child’s development, both mental and physical, depends on how well the endocrine system functions. For this reason, it is important to identify and treat pathologies as early as possible, and at the slightest suspicion, it is recommended to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

Benefits of the procedure

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is prescribed to children without restrictions: it has no contraindications and is safe. Ultrasound diagnostics does not cause discomfort and does not cause any inconvenience to the child. The method is quite informative. Using an ultrasound, the doctor will determine:

• organ location;
• its dimensions;
• tissue density;
• blood flow;
• the presence of nodes and neoplasms.

The doctor will check whether the indicators correspond to age standards and make a diagnosis. In some cases, it may additionally be required.

How and where to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland for a child

Diagnosis of the thyroid gland does not require preparation: the patient can be brought in for examination at a convenient time, and there is also no need to follow a diet. It is advisable to wear clothing that reveals your neck so that the doctor can easily reach the examination area. The specialist applies a special gel to the area of ​​the thyroid gland (the front surface of the neck) and then moves the sensor over the skin. In this case, the image is broadcast on the monitor; it can be recorded on electronic or paper media.

The examination does not last long. The specialist interprets what he sees during the diagnostic process and then draws up a conclusion for the endocrinologist.

Popular questions

Is it possible to do an ultrasound on newborns?

Yes it is safe technique: No ionizing radiation is used. The study is prescribed without restrictions even to the youngest patients.

How to prepare for research?

Examination of the thyroid gland, in contrast to ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder or stomach, does not require special preparation.

At the stage of pregnancy planning, she underwent an examination; the results of a blood test for hormones revealed a decrease in levels thyroid hormones. The doctor ordered an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. I am currently undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism. Wish us luck.

The child noticed a decrease in attention, a deterioration in mood, and began to lag behind in her studies at school. We decided to consult a doctor, and my son was prescribed an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and a hormone test. The doctor diagnosed hypothyroidism and prescribed therapy. The child became more active and achieved academic success. Thanks for your help.

I have great memories associated with the Diagnostics Medical Center. When the city hospital told me that my thyroid gland was enlarged and prescribed a bunch of harmful medications, I decided to get checked somewhere else. Here I also had an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, and I was told that everything was within normal limits. Thanks to accurate diagnosis, I was able to avoid unnecessary treatment.

Taras Grigorievich

When my child and I were sent for an ultrasound, I decided to find out which specialist was best to contact. We recommended Natalya Bazarovna Murodova. I really liked the way this doctor works. He carried out all the necessary procedures with full responsibility and found contact with my son. Problems with the thyroid gland were confirmed.

I went to a therapist with complaints about my health, and she sent me to an endocrinologist. Irina Yuryevna asked a lot of questions, and then did an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. The reason for my poor health turned out to be a cyst, albeit a small one. Laboratory tests clarified the general picture of the disease. Now I face long and painstaking treatment. I want to pass it at Budennaya. She impressed me as an experienced and competent specialist.

Thanks to the introduction of safe ultrasound into medical practice Doctors often prescribe thyroid ultrasound for children instead of “outdated” scintigraphy. This diagnostic method allows you to detect an enlargement or, conversely, underdevelopment of an organ, as well as evaluate the structure of the gland.

In addition, when identifying certain pathology Under the control of ultrasound scanning, a puncture biopsy is often performed.

The role of the thyroid gland in children's health

The thyroid gland is important body human endocrine system. It consists of two small lobes and an isthmus; in approximately 25% of cases, an additional, pyramidal lobe can be detected on the left. The organ is located on the front surface of the neck slightly above the thyroid cartilage.

In rare cases, an atypical localization of the gland occurs (above the sternum, in the anterior mediastinum), which is especially important to consider when performing echography. The main role of the thyroid gland is to produce necessary for the body hormones: calcitonin, triiodithoronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The work of the gland is regulated thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), which is synthesized by the pituitary gland in the brain.

These hormones affect:

• tissue metabolism;
• activity of catabolic processes;
• maturation and growth of tissues (especially muscle and bone);
• protein breakdown;
• sexual, physical and mental development.

What is a thyroid ultrasound?

Ultrasound scanning of the thyroid gland is considered a screening examination that can detect both diffuse and focal lesions of the organ. These can be cysts, benign and malignant nodes, autoimmune inflammation (thyroiditis). No less important role plays a blood test for gland hormones (T4, T3), TSH and antibodies to thyropyroxidase.

Indications for the procedure for children

On early stages Most thyroid diseases are asymptomatic or have scant symptoms. Direction to ultrasound examination The organ is issued by a pediatrician or endocrinologist.

Indications for the procedure:

• sudden weight loss or gain;
• feeling of a lump in the throat, discomfort when swallowing;
• attacks of suffocation;
• swelling and enlargement of the neck;
• heart rhythm disturbances, persistent increase or decrease blood pressure, fluctuations in body temperature;
• irritability, hyperactivity of the child;
• retardation in physical, psycho-emotional and mental development;
• disorders of sexual development in adolescents;
• large birth weight combined with tongue hyperplasia and weakness of the anterior abdominal wall.

The procedure has positive reviews, since thanks to it it is possible to timely detect or suspect pathology of the thyroid gland in childhood.

Preparing a child for an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland

Execute ultrasound scanning glands can be performed at any time as there is no need for any preparation. Before the examination, you should remove any jewelry from your neck, and it is also advisable to wear comfortable clothes - without a collar.

Eating is allowed at any time. If the procedure is scheduled infant, you should take his favorite toy and a bottle of food with you, this will help distract and relax the child a little.

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland: progress of the procedure

The examination is performed in the supine position with the head thrown back. If necessary, a special cushion is placed under the shoulders. The sensor along with the gel is installed on the neck in the projection of the gland.

Scanning of the organ is carried out in two planes: transverse and longitudinal, with the help of which the volume of each lobe and the width of the isthmus are calculated. The doctor compares the resulting dimensions with the normal volume of the thyroid gland in children.

Possible contraindications

There are no absolute contraindications to the procedure, since it is painless and safe. It is important that the child behaves calmly, otherwise the obtained dimensions may not correspond to reality.

Are there any differences in diagnostics in children compared to adults?

The algorithm for conducting research in children is almost identical to that in adults. The difference is that the results of measurements of the organ's shares are compared with the volumes of the thyroid gland in children according to a table compiled by age or body mass index.

Also during the examination, the doctor must examine the area of ​​the parathyroid glands and regional lymph nodes.

Thyroid disorders in children

In childhood, thyroiditis is common - acute, subacute or chronic inflammation of the thyroid tissue with or without disruption of its function. Inflammatory process in the organ is often autoimmune and infectious in nature. With hypofunction, the child may complain of constant fatigue, weakness, constipation; Weight gain is noticeable when same appetite, hair loss.

In case of increased organ function, chills, tremors, dry skin and loose stool. Characterized by weight loss, increased systemic pressure and tachycardia. In addition, deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones leads to impaired intelligence, physical development and puberty.

Children may also find:

• hypoplasia or aplasia - underdevelopment or complete absence organ tissue;
• dystopia - atypical location of the gland;
• hyperplasia - an increase in the total volume of the thyroid gland.

Decoding the results

All data obtained during sonography is entered into a protocol, which must subsequently be shown to a pediatrician or endocrinologist. The attending physician analyzes complaints, results of ultrasound, objective examination and blood tests. If necessary, a consultation with a surgeon may be scheduled.

What indicators are assessed during ultrasound?

During the procedure, the diagnostician evaluates the following parameters:

• size of the lobes, localization of the gland;
• isthmus thickness;
• echogenicity of the parenchyma, contours of the capsule;
• the nature of blood flow in the organ.

The examination is performed with a linear high-frequency sensor.

Tables of norms for children according to ultrasound

Table of thyroid gland volume in children depending on age

Table of normal thyroid gland levels in children depending on body area

Useful video

What thyroid diseases can be detected in a child are explained by the doctor in this video.

Signs of pathology

Normally, the gland has average echogenicity; in the presence of thyroiditis, the density of the organ decreases, heterogeneity of the parenchyma and blurring of the capsule appear. The total volume of the thyroid gland often increases.

Nodes are most often found in adolescence and appear as iso- or hypoechoic oval structures with peripheral blood flow. With them small sizes observation without surgical intervention is carried out.

In childhood, follicles with a colloid in the center can be detected; if their size exceeds 10 mm, then we're talking about about a thyroid cyst.

Where to do it and how much it costs

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is performed in specialized departments, ultrasound rooms of clinics and private medical centers. The price for the procedure in Moscow varies from 1000 to 4000 rubles.

Pathology or normal condition The thyroid gland can be assessed by ultrasound. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland for a child is an accessible, absolutely safe and painless method.

Deciphering the results takes very little time.

In the maternity hospital, babies are given a blood test to check their thyroid hormone levels. If the level is low, hypothyroidism may develop. It is expressed in loss of appetite, constipation, development of umbilical ridge, yellowing of the skin.

If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development mental retardation in a child. In this case, children may be prescribed thyroid hormones. They can also be prescribed to teenagers in similar situations.

There is a whole list of reasons for which it is necessary to examine thyroid gland child using ultrasound:

• residence in the areas where they took place emergency situations environmental nature;
• thyroid disease in close relatives;
• increased emotionality or apathy;
• insomnia or increased sleepiness;
• causeless weight loss or gain;
• low or high temperature;
• difficulty swallowing saliva;
• increased or decreased sweating;
• difficulty breathing;
• poor adaptation to temperature changes;
• tachycardia or bradycardia;
• visual or palpable swelling of the neck;
• trembling of fingers.

Important! Impaired functioning of the thyroid gland can lead to unpleasant consequences, including developmental delays.

How do they do it?

Carrying out the procedure for children is no different from performing ultrasound in adults. Little patients lie down on a couch, and a specialist applies a special gel to their neck, which facilitates the movement of the sensor and increases the accuracy of the image. The procedure time does not exceed 20 minutes. The doctor immediately deciphers the result and returns it to the patient.

Preparing a child for research

During the examination, the child should be as comfortable as possible. He should not experience hunger or thirst. For the baby you need to take a diaper, water or milk.

It is important to explain to an older child that the procedure is painless and reassure him.

What you can see: transcript, table

During the examination, the doctor assesses:

• the volume of the thyroid gland, whether it corresponds to normal values;
• density;
• blood flow activity;
• location.

Table of norms for children

Indicators of normal volume, parameters and size of the thyroid gland in girls and boys aged from one to 15 years:

The interpretation of the results obtained is carried out only by a specialist of appropriate qualifications. The attending physician with the help ultrasound examination receives more complete information.

Using an ultrasound, a doctor can see and make diagnoses such as:

• toxic and nodular goiter;
• hypothyroidism;
• neoplasms and cysts.

Possible contraindications

Indications for a doctor to undergo an ultrasound may include extensive injuries in the neck area - burns, inflammatory skin lesions. In other cases, the procedure is completely harmless and painless.

Where to do it and how much does it cost?

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland for children can be performed in any large medical center. Prices for the procedure start from 500 rubles. In Moscow, the average cost is 1,200 rubles.

Conclusion

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland in a child is a generally recognized and common procedure. For children, timely detection of dysfunctions of this organ is especially important, since these problems are fraught with difficult to reversible and serious consequences. If the symptoms described above appear in a child, you should immediately consult a doctor.