Youngs, Diane J.

Palpable thyroid nodules can be seen on sonograms with a high degree of accuracy. Although most thyroid nodules are benign, it is important to recognize the sonographic features that make a nodule worrisome for malignancy. Thyroid cancer often appears sonographically as solid and hypoechoic. Fine punctate internal calcifications within a hypoechoic solid mass are features commonly seen with papillary thyroid cancer, which is the most common form of thyroid malignancy.

Uterine dehiscence is the incomplete separation of the myometrium at a uterine scar site, usually from a previous cesarean section. Because membranes remain intact, the prognosis for both mother and fetus is generally good. However, labor contractions may lead to progression and a complete uterine rupture, which can be catastrophic. The combination of abdominal pain, previous cesarean section, and the sonographic finding of ballooning membranes should suggest the diagnosis of uterine dehiscence.