What types of tests can be used to look at the thyroid?
Visualization tests such as the I-123 scan and ultrasound are helpful in structural abnormalities of the thyroid. In Graves’ disease we see diffuse enlargement of the thyroid. In a toxic adenoma we see a hyperfunctioning nodule. In multnodular toxic goiter we see multiple hyperfunctioning nodules. In sub acute thyroiditis we see a decreased I-123 uptake and spotty scan.
