Chest CT Appearances
Goiter CT Findings
- May be multi-nodular, uni-nodular, or non-nodular
- May have calcification or fibrosis
- Most nodules are benign
Other Information About Goiters
Etiology:
- Iodine deficiency
- Irregularities of the thyroid (over/under-active, nodules, swelling, etc)
- Certain medications
- Diseases like Hashimoto’s, Graves’, etc
- Pregnancy
Epidemiology:
- More common in patients over age 40
- More common in females
- Most common in communities where iodine is deficient
Presentation:
- An enlarged thyroid gland
- Larger goiters may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing
Prognosis:
- Goiters are benign
- Larger goiters that cause symptoms may need to be treated
Related Pearls: Thyroid Gland