Ultrasound characteristics of the thyroid in children and adolescents with goiter: a single center experience.

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a common cause of goiter in children, and sonographic changes have been reported in more than one-third at presentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound (US) characteristics of the thyroid and the prevalence of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents presenting with goiter in the presence or absence of AIT.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the US characteristics of 154 children and adolescents aged <18 years of age with goiter from July 2008 to December 2010.