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Ultrasound in Primary Care: A Diagnostic Tool

Raquel GRACIA-RODRÍGUEZ and Raisa ALVAREZ-PANIAGUA

Thyroid ultrasound has proven to be a highly valuable diagnostic tool when performed directly in primary care. Although hypothyroidism and thyroid disorders are often considered functional diseases, ultrasound enables rapid and non-invasive identification of structural abnormalities that can guide the etiological diagnosis and help rule out more serious conditions. Thyroid ultrasound can reveal chronic thyroiditis (CT) in up to 34% of patients with negative serological studies but histologically proven disease. In recent decades, the diagnosis of thyroid cancer—particularly papillary carcinoma—has increased significantly due to the widespread use of imaging techniques such as ultrasound.We present the case of a 40-year-old woman who consulted for a right anterior cervical lump she had noticed four days earlier. She reported no weight loss or pain on palpation, and the lump was mobile when swallowing. Her family physician ordered routine blood tests and a thyroid ultrasound. The blood results were completely normal, but the ultrasound appointment had not yet been scheduled. Since I regularly perform ultrasounds in my practice, I performed one during the consultation. The thyroid gland showed an irregular structure suggestive of chronic thyroiditis. A teleconsultation with the endocrinologist was requested to review the images and confirm the diagnosis, leading to early management.The originality of this case lies in the practical application of ultrasound within the family medicine setting, where such resources are not routinely available. Performing point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the office demonstrates how this tool enhances diagnostic accuracy, improves resource utilization, and strengthens continuity of care.This case highlights the need to incorporate thyroid ultrasound into the initial diagnostic approach in primary care, particularly in patients presenting with cervical masses or suspected thyroid dysfunction. Point-of-care imaging facilitates early detection of chronic thyroiditis, timely referral, and better patient reassurance.In this case, despite normal lab results and no alarming clinical signs, ultrasound revealed glandular changes consistent with chronic thyroiditis.This enabled early referral and timely treatment, avoiding diagnostic delays and uncertainty. Immediate in-office ultrasound improved differential diagnosis and coordination with endocrinology, highlighting its value in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, physician autonomy, and efficient, patient-centered primary care.