Ultrasonic manifestations of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
Updated on April 12, 2025
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Under ultrasound observation, Hashimoto's thyroiditis generally presents as a diffuse enlargement of the thyroid, often symmetrically, although there are cases of unilateral enlargement as well. Additionally, the surface of the thyroid appears irregular and nodular. The ultrasound often reveals uneven echogenicity in the gland, sometimes with nodular changes and unclear boundaries. However, the ultrasonographic characteristics of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are not particularly specific unless it's a typical case of the disease, which can be roughly diagnosed via ultrasound. For atypical or early cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diagnosis typically requires thyroid function tests, known as the "thyroid function six-item test," which remains the gold standard for diagnosing Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms

In the early stages, when the autoimmune destruction from Hashimoto's thyroiditis is not particularly severe and does not cause either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, there may be no symptoms at all. As the immune response intensifies and leads to increased destruction of thyroid cells, transient thyrotoxicosis can occur, resulting in symptoms such as heat intolerance, trembling hands, and palpitations. The duration of these symptoms is related to the severity of the destruction. Generally, symptomatic relief can be achieved by administering beta-blockers. In the later stages, when the destruction of thyroid function in Hashimoto's is exacerbated, leading to hypothyroidism, symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, and hair loss may occur. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis require medication?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis refers to the destruction of thyroid tissue by autoimmune cells. Therefore, during the course of the disease, three states of thyroid function can be manifested: hyperthyroidism, euthyroid state, and hypothyroidism. When the patient presents with hyperthyroidism, it is possible to treat with anti-thyroid drugs, but the dosage of the anti-thyroid drugs should be reduced. When thyroid function is normal, no special treatment is needed, and regular thyroid function testing is sufficient. When there is concurrent hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is required to achieve clinical healing.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
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How to test for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a common type of autoimmune thyroid disease and the main cause of primary hypothyroidism. Often, Hashimoto's thyroiditis may present no symptoms, having hidden onset and slow development. Typical symptoms include general fatigue, throat discomfort, localized pressure, or dull pain. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to damage by the autoimmune system, causing permanent hypothyroidism. Diagnosis can be facilitated through thyroid function tests, iodine-131 uptake tests, anti-thyroid antibody tests, thyroid ultrasound, and thyroid nuclear scanning.

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Written by Gan Jun
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What should I do about Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune inflammatory thyroid disease caused by the diffuse enlargement of thyroid follicular cells, and may present with transient hyperthyroidism during different clinical stages. During the period of normal thyroid function as well as the eventual phase of reduced thyroid function, appropriate anti-hyperthyroidism medications can be administered symptomatically when the patient is clinically hyperthyroid. When the patient is hypothyroid, it is necessary to timely supplement with thyroid hormones for treatment, and it is essential to dynamically monitor the individual’s thyroid hormone levels, thyroid hormone antibodies, and thyroid ultrasound to make a comprehensive assessment. It is always important to maintain a low iodine diet and avoid consuming foods that are high in iodine.

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Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis require treatment?

Treatment depends on the case. Currently, there is no cure for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and the main goal of treatment is to correct secondary thyroid dysfunction and reduce significantly enlarged thyroids. Generally, for patients with mild diffuse goiter without obvious compression symptoms and no thyroid dysfunction, no special treatment is needed; follow-up observation is sufficient. For patients with significant thyroid enlargement and compression symptoms, treatment with levothyroxine may be used to reduce thyroid swelling. If the patient has hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy can be administered. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)