Endocrine ultrasound encompasses high-resolution sonographic evaluation of the body’s hormone-producing glands, primarily the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. It is used for nodule characterization, biopsy guidance, and pre-surgical localization of abnormal endocrine tissue.
Thyroid evaluation applies ACR TI-RADS risk stratification to guide fine-needle aspiration decisions. Parathyroid adenoma localization before surgery is performed using both ultrasound and nuclear scintigraphy, and ultrasound-guided biopsy may confirm suspicious lesions. Adrenal ultrasound supplements CT and MRI in select patients, particularly pediatric cases. Sonographers also evaluate salivary glands and lymph nodes in the neck in the context of endocrine tumors.
Endocrine ultrasound falls primarily under the ARDMS Small Parts (SP) specialty within the RDMS. Sonographers work in endocrinology clinics, head and neck surgery practices, nuclear medicine departments, and hospital radiology. The subspecialty requires detailed knowledge of neck anatomy and proficiency with high-frequency linear transducers and biopsy guidance techniques.