Main description:

Diagnostic Methods in Clinical Thyroidology provides a forum for discussion of controversial issues in three major categories: diagnosis of thyroid function, non-invasive evaluation of structural abnormalities, and needle biopsy diagnosis of thyroid nodules. For each category, a free interchange of ideas based on extensive clinical experience is followed by a summary that strives to resolve these controversial issues within a framework of sound clinical practice. The volume will this serve as a ready reference for the many physicians who evaluate thyroid patients.

Contents:

Section I. Diagnosis of Thyroid Function.- 1. Abnormal Thyroid Function Tests in Euthyroid Patients.- Discussion.- Commentary.- Response.- 2. Clinical Importance of Abnormal Thyroid Function Test Results in Patients with Nonthyroidal Illness.- Discussion.- 3. Supersensitive Thyrotropin Assays.- Discussion.- Commentaries.- 4. Strategies for Cost-Effective Thyroid Function Testing with Modern Methods.- Discussion.- Commentaries.- Discussion.- 5. Use of Modern Thyroid Tests in Illustrative Ambulatory Patients.- Response.- Section Summary: Diagnosis of Thyroid Function.- Section II. Noninvasive Evaluation of Structural Abnormalities of the Thyroid.- 6. Clinical Usefulness of Serum Thyroglobulin Assays.- Commentary.- Discussion.- Commentary.- 7. Thyroid Imaging: Indications and Limitations.- Discussion.- 8. Postoperative Evaluation of Thyroid Cancer Patients for Adequacy of Surgery, and for Need of 131I Therapy.- Discussion.- Section Summary: Noninvasive Evaluation of Structural Abnormalities of the Thyroid.- Section III. Needle Biopsy Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules.- 9. Coarse-Needle Biopsy of the Thyroid.- Discussion.- 10. Fine-Needle Biopsy: Extended Observations.- Discussion.- Commentary.- Section Summary: Needle Biopsy Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules.