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How to identify abnormal findings in the neck ultrasound?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am worried as my general practitioner did not review my ultrasound scans. I am feeling very unwell and getting worse. My medical history includes weight loss, extreme tiredness, and sore neck glands.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am glad you chose icliniq.com for your medical-related queries.

I can understand your concern.

I have reviewed the attached ultrasound image (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity).

The only positive finding I detected is a prominent lymph node on the right side of the neck. Such nodes are commonly seen and can appear in individuals with non-specific viral infections or sore throats.

Therefore, I do not find anything alarming in the images you have provided. However, given your age, gender, and symptoms, it is important to rule out any autoimmune disorders as well.

I recommend some baseline blood tests and, if necessary, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the neck to check for inflammation and other issues. Recommended investigations include:

  1. A complete blood count (CBC) with hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, and total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count.
  2. Additional tests are serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, serum creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
  3. Liver function tests (LFTs) should also be done, including bilirubin, SGPT (serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase), and SGOT (serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase) levels.
  4. An MRI of the neck may be needed if clinically indicated.

Take preventive measures by avoiding exposure to any triggers if you are prone to allergies.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have had autoimmune blood tests and other tests, and they are all normal. The only two blood tests that show abnormalities are IgA (immunoglobulin A) deficiency and high ferritin. An immunologist reviewed my case and referred me back to my general practitioner. I am not allergic to anything, but my symptoms persist. Over the past week, my condition has worsened daily to the point where I cannot get out of bed.

Please help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

IgA deficiency, if severe, along with high ferritin, can explain your symptoms. Sorry to hear about this. This combination can lead to recurrent and chronic symptoms. Currently, there is no specific therapy for selective IgA (immunoglobulin A) deficiency. The treatment approach focuses on managing the common, recurrent, or prolonged health issues that arise due to this immune system condition.

Serum ferritin is an important marker of inflammatory disease, as it is mainly a leakage product from damaged cells. The level of serum ferritin correlates with numerous inflammatory and degenerative diseases. While it is not of diagnostic value, it has prognostic significance, with levels correlating to disease activity. It is best to have regular follow-ups with an immunologist and a good internal medicine specialist.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for replying.

I have been feeling really unwell, dealing with severe abdominal pain and constant headaches. My doctor sent me for a CT scan to figure out what was going on.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I went through your scanned images.

There is a fatty liver with an increased size of the liver. Also, there is an intra uterine contraceptive device noted, which is in the proper place. You also have early changes of dorsal spondylosis. The thoracic vertebrae show changes in spondylosis. Rest, there is no apparent significant abnormality noted on the images provided. What does their report mention?

Kindly update us.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

They did not mention anything in the report.

I have also been experiencing unusual menstrual symptoms; my period was due on the 15th, but I have only had a flaky, black, smelly, stringy discharge. This has been going on since my laparoscopy in March for endometriosis and adhesiolysis. Does my uterus look okay?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your uterus appears normal on the CT scan. However, for a thorough evaluation, an ultrasound and pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are better options for examining the uterus and surrounding areas.

Some women do not tolerate an IUD (intrauterine device) well and can develop a foreign body reaction, leading to menstrual issues, pain, and discharge. In such cases, it may be necessary to replace it with a different type or remove it altogether.

Endometriosis is known for its tendency to recur. It is a complex condition, with some patients experiencing mild symptoms while others face more severe challenges.

Do you have any children? Pregnancy is often associated with a decrease in the severity of symptoms.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At September 18, 2024
Reviewed AtOctober 24, 2024

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