Ultrasonographic features of primary thyroid lymphoma

Objective: To investigate the ultrasonographic features of primary thyroid lymphoma. Methods: The ultrasonography of 12 patients with histologically confirmed primary thyroid lymphoma was retrospectively analyzed. Results: The thyroid glands were enlarged in all patients. The tumors were manifested as hypoechoic nodules or diffusely decreased echogenicity in the entire gland with posterior echo enhancement on 9 patients. Heterogeneous thyroid nodules with mixed low and high echoes were shown on 3 patients. Five patients had enlarged hypoechoic cervical lymph nodes. Conclusion: There are characteristic ultrasonographic features that aid diagnosis of primary thyroid lymphoma. (authors)