Strain elastography in the diagnosis of radiation-induced hypothyroidism: current state of the art

This review addresses the role of elastography in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases, with a focus on strain elastography (SE) as a complementary non‑invasive tool for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The study evaluates the diagnostic capabilities and inherent limitations of SE, particularly emphasizing that its isolated application—without integration of quantitative parameters of shear wave elastography (SWE)—is constrained by high equipment‑ and operator‑dependency. Additionally, the paper highlights the utility of SE in assessing radiation‑induced hypothyroidism. The authors underscore the need for further scientific research to integrate elastography into the dynamic follow‑up of patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies and locally advanced breast cancer.

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