Abstract
Discrepancies between the results of TE and thyroid scintigraphy (TS) in congenital hypothyroid infants have been previously reported. In previous studies TE systematically detected structures in the physiological position of the thyroid gland also in agenetic babies, therefore not confirming the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. We have examined 29 infants detected by neonatal screening for CH, referred to our Endocrine Unit to confirm the diagnosis. In the first day a complete evaluation of thyroid endocrine function and TE were performed (the operator ignored the suspected diagnosis). In the second day the infants underwent TS and the L-T4 replacement therapy was started.
Results:
Conclusion: TE confirmed in all cases (100%) the presence of thyroid abnormalities consistent with hypothyroidism, justifying the immediate beginning of L-T4 therapy, even if not discriminating between agenesis and ectopia (which is not essential in the therapeutical approach). Therefore we believe that TE, a non invasive tool, is useful in most cases in excluding transient hypothyroidism and false positives, confirming thyroid abnormalities even if not discriminating between agenesis and ectopia.
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Rondanini, G., Balconi, G., Paesano, P. et al. 22 DETECTION OF THYROID TISSUE BY THYROID ECHOGRAPHY (TE) FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM (CH) IN SCREENING-POSITIVE BABIES. Pediatr Res 24, 520 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00043
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00043