Objective:

To evaluate the value of cervical lymph node ultrasound in differential diagnosis of Hashimotos thyroiditis (HT) and Graves disease (GD).

Methods:

One hundred GD cases and 150 HT cases were enrolled in the study. All cases were performed ultrasound examination. The detection rate of cervical lymph nodes was compared between the two groups.

Results:

The cervical lymph nodes in zones Ⅰ

Ⅲ

Ⅳ and Ⅴ of neck were occasionally enlarged in GD and HT groups without significant difference (

P

0.05). The lymph nodes in zone Ⅱ of neck were often found in both two groups without significant difference (

P

0.05). Th

e detection rate of lymph nodes in zone Ⅵ in HT group was significantly higher than that in GD group (90%

vs

. 11%

P

0.05).

Conclusion:

There is a significant difference in the detection rate of cervical lymph nodes in zone Ⅵ of neck between GD and HT cases. It is of important value in differential diagnosis of GD and HT

especially for HT hyperthyroidism.