The value of color flow Doppler ultrasonography of the superior thyroid artery in the surgical management of Graves disease. Invited critique

HYPOTHESIS: The factors affecting blood flow within the hypervascular thyroid gland and the effect of vascularization on the preparation for thyroidectomy as treatment for Graves disease can be documented. DESIGN: Blood flow through the superior thyroid arteries of patients with Graves disease, maintained in a euthyroid status, was measured by color flow Doppler ultrasonography. The microvessel density was assessed immunohistochemically using the level of expression of factor VIII in tissue sections. Both the thyroid gland's weight and blood loss volume were measured during the operation. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty-two patients with Graves disease undergoing thyroidectomy. RESULTS: The blood flow rate was significantly correlated with thyroid weight (P