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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Thyroid Ultrasound

A noninvasive in-office ultrasound of the thyroid gland — used to characterize nodules, evaluate gland size and texture, and inform a comprehensive metabolic workup.

What it is

A precise look at thyroid anatomy.

Thyroid ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to image the thyroid gland in detail — assessing overall gland size, texture, vascularity, and any nodules. It is the standard test for evaluating thyroid nodules detected on physical exam or incidentally on other imaging, and is essential for risk-stratifying which nodules need biopsy versus routine surveillance. Within a cardiology practice, thyroid status matters because both hyper- and hypothyroidism have direct cardiovascular effects (arrhythmia, blood pressure, lipid metabolism, exercise tolerance) and structural assessment complements the routine TSH-based functional testing.

Painless, in-office, 15 to 20 minutes.

You lie on your back with your neck gently extended on a pillow. Ultrasound gel is applied and a high-frequency probe captures systematic images of both thyroid lobes and the isthmus. No prep is required. The exam takes 15 to 20 minutes; Dr. Kedan personally reviews images and integrates findings with your TSH and any other relevant labs.

Nodules, palpable enlargement, or abnormal thyroid function.

Common indications include a thyroid nodule detected by physical exam, family history of thyroid disease, abnormal TSH or free T4 levels, suspected goiter, follow-up of known nodules, baseline imaging before initiating amiodarone or other thyroid-affecting medications, and incidental thyroid findings from prior CT or MRI imaging.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prep?
No. No fasting, no medication adjustments, no special preparation.
How long does the test take?
About 15 to 20 minutes.
Will this tell me if a nodule is cancer?
Ultrasound alone cannot definitively distinguish benign from malignant nodules, but it identifies the imaging features (size, composition, margins, vascularity, microcalcifications) that determine whether biopsy is warranted. Most nodules are benign; ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration is the next step when imaging features are suspicious.
Why would a cardiologist order this?
Thyroid dysfunction has direct cardiovascular effects — atrial fibrillation, palpitations, blood pressure changes, lipid abnormalities, exercise intolerance. When the functional labs are abnormal or symptoms point at the thyroid, imaging the gland directly is the right next step before initiating treatment.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Cardiolucent operates outside of insurance networks; we provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement when applicable. Many patients use HSA or FSA funds.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.